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#CareerAdvice : #JobSearch -7 Perfect Questions to Ask While #Networking …Great REad!

March 5, 2019/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

Odds are, you already know how important networking is. You might have leveraged your network to land a job, procure a new client or even switch careers entirely — or at the very least, you probably know someone who has. But despite the endless benefits of networking, many people still dread the experience.

Often, this is because they simply don’t know what to say. After all, approaching a stranger you know nothing about can be pretty intimidating — what in the world do you talk about?

Well, the next time you find yourself wondering this at an industry mixer, don’t fret. We talked to a handful of career experts to get their recommendations on great questions to ask while networking. Use any of these questions for a quick and painless conversation starter.

1. “What brings you here?”

This light-touch question is a great way to begin a conversation, explains Michelle Tillis Lederman, author of The Connector’s Advantage: 7 Mindsets to Grow Your Influence and Impact.

“This question shows you are interested in the other person and are not just trying to figure out how they can help you. Their response will give you a sense of what they are working on and what is on the front of their mind. That will lead you to extend the conversation and figure out how you can add value to them,” Tillis Lederman explains. “They will also likely ask you the question in return and give you an opening to share what your current objectives are.”

2. “How did you get involved in the industry/company?”

Once you know a little bit more about somebody’s professional background, ask them how they got their start. It can provide valuable takeaways for you, as well as make you seem more likable.

“Finding out more about their journey leading up to their current role can offer an excellent insight into what you might need to do in order to work in that industry, role or company,” says Lars Herrem, Group Executive Director at recruiting agency Nigel Wright Group. “Demonstrating your interest and enthusiasm is key to creating a lasting impression and making yourself memorable, something which will prove extremely beneficial if you end up reaching out to this person in the future.”

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3. “Since you work in the industry, how do you feel about X?”

Asking about a specific, timely event in the industry — whether it’s proposed legislation, a merger, a recent news story, etc. — is a great way to show the person you’re speaking with that you are knowledgeable and thoughtful, both of which are key to being memorable, says career coach Eli Howayeck of Crafted Career Concepts.

“First impressions matter. The best thing you can do, besides being a nice person, is to demonstrate how you think and what you know about the marketplace,” Howayeck explains. “This helps direct the conversation and informs your conversation partner that you likely know what you’re talking about or, at a minimum, pay attention to what is going on in the world and [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][are] not only focused on yourself and your advancement.”

4. “How would someone get their foot in the door in your company/industry?”

The ultimate objective of networking is often to get a new job, but coming out and asking somebody you just met to help you get one can be pretty off-putting. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t approach the topic at all — you just have to do so delicately.

This question “is a subtle way to ask about opportunities without coming right out and saying, ‘Do you know if they are hiring?’” says career coach Madelyn Mackie. “If you are lucky, they will ask you if you are interested and then provide you with a business card to follow-up with them after the event.”

Even if they aren’t able to help you out directly, though, you will likely gain some valuable insight that will help you in your job search process.

5. “Based on your journey, what do you wish someone would have told you earlier in your career?”

This is a great question to ask if you’re speaking with somebody who is more senior than you are. It allows them to impart the knowledge they’ve acquired over the years with you, as well as appeals to their ego.

“People are way more comfortable sharing their wisdom than they are sharing their contacts, and both can be very valuable,” Howayeck says. “Seeking to learn from others honors them and shows that you’re invested in growth. It also shows deference and can endear the person to you and deepen the connection.”

6. “How do you spend your time outside of work?”

At its heart, networking is all about forming connections with others, so don’t be afraid to veer towards lighthearted chitchat. Questions like this one help people open up, and make it clear that you don’t expect the interaction to be purely transactional.

“This kind of question lowers the stakes and also gives the other person a chance to discuss what they’re passionate about,” Howayeck explains. “It also shows that you are actually interested in them as a person, and not just what they do and how it could help you.”

Who knows? You may even bond over a shared interest or activity!

7. “What’s the best way for me to get in touch/follow up with you?”

Ask this question, and you’re guaranteed to avoid one of the biggest mistakes that novice networkers make, according to career coach Nikki Bruno: “Beginning networkers often make the mistake of giving away a stack of business cards but gathering none. The only way to ensure that you’ll be able to follow up with new contacts is to get their information; it keeps you in the driver’s seat.”

“Note that this question is intentionally different from ‘May I have your card?’” Bruno adds. “Asking to stay in touch or to follow someone shows that you view him/her as a human being, not as a mere contact.”

GlassDoor.com | March 5, 2019 | Posted by Emily Moore

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#CareerAdvice : #JobNetworking – Do these 4 Things to Make a Positive Impression at a #NetworkingEvent ….The Best Networker Views #Networking as an Unavoidable Part of Professional Life.

September 5, 2018/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

No one is born a natural networker. But when you think about someone you’ve met networking who impressed you, I’d challenge you to consider what you talked about.

The best networkers view connecting as part and parcel to life: not just something they do when they need a job or a favor. To up your game as a networker, you may need to change your game entirely.

Here are some traits the most interesting people at a networking event always have in common. Taking them on is the perfect blueprint to becoming a better networker yourself:

1. THEY DON’T START A CONVERSATION WITH, “WHAT DO YOU DO?”

Along with “Have a nice day” and “How can I help you?”, “What do you do?” is one of those autopilot conversational phrases that make real connection much less possible. The most interesting networkers understand that meet and greets are a storyteller’s sandbox. When asked about her job, a regular networker would say, “I work in advertising.” Meanwhile, a storyteller might say, “I convince people to buy things they don’t really need,” or “I create content that makes you forget you wanted to get up for ice cream.” Big social events are made up of multiple introductions back to back. Someone who injects surprise is someone who adds a dash of conversational salt to a meat-and-potato evening. Be that person.

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2. THEY’RE GIVERS, NOT TAKERS

There’s nothing more boring than someone who comes to a networking event with a, “How can you help me?” mind-set. These networkers are amateurs because they’re transactional rather than relational. The most interesting networkers approach social interactions with a gamification mentality. Instead of getting a rush when they make a connection for themselves, they get a burst of endorphins when they make a match for someone else. In conversation, they’re constantly connecting dots and connecting people— always conscious of how to join like-minded individuals. True connectors go beyond industry and are rarely motivated by imminent need. Instead, they look to introduce people because they see the potential for great conversation, joint ideation, or parallel curiosities. And it goes without saying that because they connect others to intriguing individuals rather than those seeking jobs, they create a virtuous cycle. People send stimulating connections in return.

3. THEY FEED THE BEAST

Life’s most interesting people are the ones who are genuinely curious about the world. Life is busy, but whether it’s a podcast squeezed in during a walk to a meeting or a book sitting on the nightstand, interesting people intentionally feed their minds so they have things to add to a conversation. Regardless of whether you’re in the same industry or similar roles, these are people you’ll remember, because they inject insights into small talk.

4. THEY LISTEN MORE THAN THEY TALK

Networking events are the ultimate training ground for learning to stay in the moment. Surrounded by a room full of people talking and laughing, these events bring out the FOMO in all of us. It’s common to see networkers scanning the room over a wine glass rim as they nod vaguely at the person in front of them—completely missing potential links because they’re only half listening. If the most interesting conversations are the ones that dip below the surface, the most interesting people are the ones who make others feel worthy of their full attention.

Staying completely present while listening to someone else talk is surprisingly difficult, but it gets easier with practice. Sharpen your chops by practicing on someone you know. When you get home, ask a roommate or partner about their day, and focus completely as they answer.

HOW TO KEEP THE CONNECTION GOING

New relationships have a very short shelf life, so don’t forget to follow up within a week of your initial meeting. A request to connect on LinkedIn makes for an easy way to remain in contact, but it won’t do much for building a lasting relationship.

Instead, think about what you talked about and what you remember. A funny story? A book recommendation? Whether it’s showing how you acted on a piece of sage advice, or sharing an article about a topic you bonded over, this is your chance to show you took this new connection to heart.

Do something intentional. Email them to share something that intrigues you. Introduce them to someone at the next event who might excite their curiosity. Reach out with a quote that reminds you of something they said. Voila! You just won the networking game . . . for now.

This article originally appeared on Fairygodboss and is reprinted with permission.

FastCompany.com | BY DANIELLE WOOD—FAIRYGODBOSS | 3 MINUTE READ | 9.5.18

#CareerAdvice : #Networking – 5 Types of #NetworkingEvents Actually Worth Your Time…Who said All Networking Events were Created Equal? We Say, Pick your Poison.

August 6, 2018/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

The idea of networking used to produce a physical reaction in me, similar to riding a roller coaster: sweaty palms, nervous chatter, and a slightly queasy stomach.

Unless you’re a regular performer, no one relishes the idea of planting yourself in a room full of strangers and attempting to be charming—especially when your livelihood is involved!Despite the universal awkwardness that usually comes with these events, every city offers it’s unique opportunities for you to network.

From happy hours to bowling matches to workshops, it seems like more options are popping up every day. Here are just a few we think you’ll like.

TYPES OF NETWORKING EVENTS WORTH YOUR TIME

1. Breakfast Networking

If you’re a morning person, this is a great way to start your day. What better scenario to schmooze than over egg-white omelets? Breakfast meetings allow all of the early risers to get ahead. You’re the first pitch of the day, so you get in front of potential employers or clients before they’re inundated with requests and resumes later that day. Unlike happy hours, you also get to interact with influencers before a potentially stressful workday hits (and before the alcohol starts flowing).

2. Industry-Specific Speaking Engagements

Whether you’re in marketing, retail, accounting, or another field, there are always people around to learn from. Take advantage of networking events in your area that have a speaker or speakers on a topic directly related to your position or department. You will learn from the experts themselves and ask questions you might not be able to in a webinar or online Q&A. You’ll also be surrounded by attendees in your field—take advantage of picking their brains! Bonus tip: If you have the confidence, offer to speak at one of these events yourself!

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3. Roundtable Events

Similar to speaking engagements, roundtables are beneficial to those looking to advance their knowledge by communicating with their peers. Roundtables allow for open forums and discussions that, more often than not, lead to creative ideas and new directions. If you’re stuck on a project, story, or proposal, these are great events to get out of your rut and make some new connections in the meantime.

4. Happy Hour Networking Meetups

If you get the “roller coaster” anxiety about events that I do, happy hour is a tried-and-true tradition in the networking world. It allows for more of a relaxed atmosphere—making small talk and approaching strangers is simpler in a casual environment.

Bonus Tip: Avoid happy hours if you are actively looking for a job—given their usually laid-back nature, it might encourage you to make the wrong impression on a potential boss!

5. LinkedIn Groups

The digital age of networking is a blessing to the introvert in all of us. There are a ton of networking groups and forums on LinkedIn and other networks that allow communication, problem-solving and legitimate relationship-building (both business and personal) on a daily basis. If you’re nervous about jumping into the event pool, this is a great way to dip your toes in.

Even this list will leave you with a mind-spinning number of networking event options. So how do you decide which of them are worth your time?

WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN PICKING A PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING EVENT

1. Choose an Event That Benefits Your Career Objectives

Are you looking for a job? New clients? Start-up capital? Either way, different events (especially the worthwhile ones!) are tailored to specific goals. Choose one that aligns with yours!

2. Find Out Where the Right People Will Be—And Go There

If you’re looking for a financial backer, you might want to avoid networking events that are lacking the decision-makers. If you’re looking for a job, try to find events attended by hiring managers or HR representatives. Research your favorite companies or industries, and see if there are any opportunities soon that are sponsored or managed by your dream company, or that feature your “dream role” people as keynote speakers or panelists.

3. Ask Yourself What You Need to Learn

Are you looking to attend a meetup or event in your field to escalate your growth? Check out the hosts, the speakers, and the topics being covered. If it’s something you’re already an expert on, look for a more advanced session. These are skill-specific opportunities for you to advance your career through developing and honing in on your strengths—or hey, your weaknesses!

4. Find a Conference or Event That Fits Your Personality and Career Goals

Once your objective is clear, choose an event that will give you a chance to shine. If you’re uncomfortable in big groups, look for events in more intimate settings. The last “rule” is important in our networking-cluttered world. Because the options are vast, you can—and should—attend events that will suit your needs and your A-game! If you hate ice breakers and small talk—maybe a roundtable isn’t for you. Maybe you prefer to listen to panelists, and then break into small groups to workshop specific skills. Maybe you prefer happy hours, because chit chat is your favorite thing to do.

HOW TO FIND NETWORKING EVENTS IN YOUR AREA

Okay so we’ve covered what events you should try to attend, and how to decide which ones you want to make time for—but how do you even know where to find these networking events to choose from? A quick google search of, “networking events [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][insert city here]” is a great way to start—but it can also be overwhelming with the amount of results you’ll likely get.

1. Your City Event Calendar

Your city likely has some sort of online event calendar—even if your “city” is more like a “farm” and your networking opportunities are limited to the weekly bingo competitions at one of the local churches. It’s still something, right? Your city calendar is a great starting point, because the list of events is already curated based on an important factor: distance.

2. Eventbrite

It’s an event calendar that’s super collaborative. Other people post events, and you get to search through them (you can even RSVP through the site.) Navigate to different events by date, category, event type, or price. You’ll find what you’re looking for in no time.

Pro tip: There are many websites like Eventbrite that showcase events in your area. Try Meetup and Facebook if you want more options.

3. Utilize Your Existing Network

That’s right—ask around at work! Maybe your coworkers are in industry-specific professional networks, or are secretly genius copywriters who teach multiple creative writing classes each week. Your boss might know of some local groups or meetings that you can attend.

Reach out to connections in your existing network, and see what events they’ve found helpful or exciting. You can also ask friends (especially if they’re in an industry you’re interested in) if they have any upcoming events on their radar. Even if you don’t get any recommendations right away, you’re letting everyone know you’re interested—and you’ll be the first person they call when they hear of something.

CareerContessa.com | July 31, 2018 | BY KELLY AYRES

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#CareerAdvice : #CareerNetworking – Three Surprising Ways your #Network can Help your #JobSearch … #Networking Doesn’t Always Lead to #Referrals or #Introductions to #HiringManagers . But Sometimes your Contacts can Prove Helpful in Ways you Hadn’t Expected.

July 31, 2018/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

My professional network has never led directly to a job opportunity. I’ve had people on the inside graciously pass along my resume and extend referrals, but while I’ve landed interviews this way, they’ve never crystallized into an offer. In fact, every job offer I’ve ever received has come about the old-fashioned way: by applying to a job posting.

NETWORKING LETS YOU PRACTICE TALKING ABOUT YOUR WORK

If it’s been at least a year since your last job search, there’s a good chance you’re out of practice describing your work to people outside your organization. There’s actually an art to answering the familiar question, “So what do you do?” and since most interviews kick off with, “Tell me a little about yourself,” networking conversations can actually double as interview prep.

Networking with people while you’re job hunting forces you to get beyond those boring one-line summaries of your current job description. As you start telling folks in your network what you’re looking to do next, you’ll also have to characterize your strengths and interests, drum up examples of recent projects you’re proud of, and make connections between your current role and your ambitions for the next stage in your career.

Articulating all of this takes practice. Plus, in addition to helping you refine your pitch to hiring managers and recruiters, this also gives your network a clearer sense of what opportunities to keep a lookout for on your behalf.

Here’s what to ask your contacts:

“Does the experience I’ve just described make sense? And does it sound interesting?
“Based on what I’ve told you, what sounds like my top strength? What about my biggest weakness?”

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TALKING TO YOUR NETWORK HELPS YOU FOCUS (OR EXPAND) YOUR SEARCH

You may never have had a professional mentor, but as soon as you mention you’re job searching, just about everyone snaps into mentorship mode. They’re quick to ask questions about your current job and what you’re hoping for in the next one. They grill you about where you’re looking and whether you’ve landed any interviews yet. They wrack their brains for people they know that you might want to talk to.

This knee-jerk generosity can be helpful, or not. (Your friend’s new roommate might not know a damn thing about your industry even though he’s really excited to help.) But these discussions can be clarifying even when they don’t cough up job leads. Sometimes you’ll notice somebody interpreting your work history in a different light than you see it, which could cue you to reframe your experience in future career conversations. Other times someone may suggest a company or a type of role that you hadn’t considered before. And once in a while, a contact with deeper experience in your field might brush away worries about your competitive weaknesses and put their finger on something completely different that you should really focus on.

These networking interactions can lead you to shift your strategy, sometimes in small ways and sometimes much more radically. The best part is that even people who are relatively ignorant about your field or career ambitions can still help you adjust your game plan, whether it’s to find focus or think more broadly.

Here’s what to ask your contacts:

For people who are less knowledgable about your field: “Hypothetically, If I were to leave my field, what types of other roles do you think I’d be qualified for?”
For those who know a lot about your field: “What types of candidates do you think I’m most likely to be competing with for this role? Should I consider different types of positions?”

YOUR NETWORK CAN HELP YOU VET JOB OFFERS

In my experience, a professional network is most effective at helping you size up job opportunities. Sometimes the hardest part of the hiring process isn’t crafting a great resume or preparing for an interview, it’s deciding whether to take the job once it’s finally offered.

The folks in your network might not know the hiring manager or an HR rep inside the company, but they’re much more likely to know someone who works there and can speak generally about their experiences on the inside. This is often the real benefit of those “weak connections”; the people who know the people you know, even though they’ve never met you, probably won’t give you an endorsement. But many are happy to jump on a 20-minute call with you and share their thoughts on the position you’re applying to, plus any words of caution or advice.

All of this is underappreciated intel. If you can land these conversations before going on a job interview or even before applying, they’ll help you tailor the way you position your candidacy. These second-degree contacts can also clue you into potential drawbacks and suggest good questions to ask about the team, the work culture, and the demands of the role. And if someone has already agreed to chat with you about a job opportunity, they probably won’t blink when you ask if there are any other insiders they might be willing to introduce you to. Before you know it, you’ll have tapped into a brain trust of in-the-know contacts who can share critical insight to guide your strategy and decision making.

Here’s what to ask your contacts:

When you’re looking for company insiders: “Do you know any current or former employees at X company who might be willing to chat with me about their experience there?”
After speaking with company insiders: “Thanks for chatting with me! If you can think of anyone else you work with who may have some insight into the role I’m pursuing, I’d love to be connected.”

So no, your immediate network might not be much help in connecting you with the top decision makers for the specific job opportunities that appeal to you. But if you give them a chance, your professional contacts can probably help you out much more–and in many more ways–than you think.

FastCompany.com | July 31, 2018 | BY RICH BELLIS 5 MINUTE READ

Your #Career : #Networking – Do These 5 #EmotionallyIntelligent Things Within 5 Minutes Of Meeting Someone…Being instantly Likable isn’t Rocket Science, But this Checklist takes Practice to Master in the Short Space of a First Impression.

June 11, 2018/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

What’s the point of networking if not to get other people to like you? Sure, you need new contacts to see you as interesting, competent, professional, and potentially valuable to them—but if they don’t also find you likable, nobody will feel motivated to reach out later and work with you.

The reason why all comes down to emotional intelligence, the set of skills and qualities that allow people to form deeper, closer relationships with others. Likability is a key ingredient in that, and its career benefits are pretty obvious. For instance, being likable—and liking your coworkers in return—can increase your chances of getting promoted.

But when it comes to first impressions, you don’t always have much time to get people to like you. So here are a few straightforward things that the most emotionally intelligent people do to cement their likability from the get-go:

1. SHOW GENUINE ENTHUSIASM FOR MEETING

Especially in business contexts, some people’s demeanors while making introductions are terse and serious. That might feel formal and “appropriate,” but it’s not always the most emotionally intelligent thing to do. Neither is laying it on thick with a forced grin and over-the-top proclamations about how absolutely wonderful it is to meet.

Just be natural. Pretend you’re meeting a sibling’s new significant other at a social occasion. Give your best, authentic smile. Open up your posture so your legs are at a wide stance but you’re relaxed. Make eye contact, offer a firm handshake. It’s that easy.

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2. OFFER A COMPLIMENT

If you notice something about the person you’ve just met that you can compliment them about, do it right away. Maybe there’s a recent accomplishment you’re aware of that you could mention. If not, ask a question or two that can lead to information you can later compliment them on.

So treat the first five minutes after meeting somebody as a silent quiz session: Pretend you’re being tested to see how much you can find out about the new acquaintance—that when five minutes are up, you’ll have to write an essay about everything you’ve just learned, and the more information you include, the higher your score.

3. ASK AT LEAST TWO OPEN-ENDED QUESTIONS

Conversations often die quickly or turn into monologues when they aren’t propelled forward by good questions. When someone starts talking about something they enjoy, use that as an opening to ask more: “How did you get into that?” “What do you like most about it?” Since it’s something they’re clearly dying to talk about it, don’t just ask yes/no or simple factual questions that might cut off their chance to really dig into it.

Aim for at least two open-ended questions within the first few minutes of striking up a chat with somebody you’ve just met. That should be enough to get a good, in-depth conversation going. On a subconscious level, you’ll quickly become somebody they remember liking and will want to be around.

4. FIND SOMETHING YOU SHARE

Have you ever spoken with someone and found them distracted, glancing around the room or maybe maybe fiddling with their phone while you were speaking? If you did, there’s a slim chance you came away really liking them afterward. In order to make someone feel like they’re getting your full attention, you obviously need to focus on them exclusively. But you also have to find an interest or belief you both share.

The most emotionally intelligent people know that it’s easiest to connect with people they’ve found something in common with. These commonalities might not always be obvious, though; you have to look for them. For example, there’s a really experienced runner who works out at my gym, and we often have a chance to chat. Since I personally have zero interest in running, there wouldn’t seem to be common ground for a meaningful conversation beyond, “Good to see you again, how’s your week going?” But since most people like food, I once asked him what he eats before a major long-distance run. It gave us something in common to talk about.

These conversational openings are really simple but not always obvious right away just after meeting someone. Pay attention to what makes somebody light up, become more animated, and sit up straight. These little cues are easy to catch early on in your conversation, and they can make for great opportunities to quickly find commonalities, passions, and ideas to talk about in those crucial few minutes while we’re forming first impressions.

5. SAY THEIR NAME BEFORE YOU LEAVE, AND COMMIT KEY FACTS TO MEMORY

Everybody loves the sound of their own name. Say it when you first meet someone; then sprinkle it throughout the conversation whenever you get the chance. At a minimum, make sure to say their name when you’re about to leave: “Really great meeting you, Shareen.” “Thanks for chatting, Kyle, let’s be in touch.”

Finally, emotionally intelligent people reinforce the likability they’ve banked during first impressions by remembering a few key details later on. The names of a new acquaintance’s partner, kids, even the pets they have or that vacation recommendation they shared—that’s all useful information to refer back to the next time you see them. It’ll help you stand out in their memory, and make them look forward to connecting with you again—because for some reason or other, they find that they just like you.

FastCompany.com | July 18, 2017

Your #Career : How #Women Can Build Their #ProfessionalNetworks … #Networking is Tougher for Women for Several Reasons, but There are Ways to Make it Work.

May 21, 2018/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

Networking is crucial for advancing a career, building relationships and getting knowledgeable about a range of subjects. And women have a much tougher time of it than men.

It comes down to numbers, my research shows. There are so few women in positions of power that it is difficult for women to find sponsors to make introductions and referrals, and models of effective leadership are geared toward men. And because of that, women begin to believe not only that the cards are stacked against them but also that there is something wrong with networking itself.

Bonding problems

Of course, it can be daunting for both men and women to reach out to people who are more senior and outside their immediate area. But women’s difficulties with workplace networking go beyond that. People form and maintain relationships easily and spontaneously with others like them, decades of research shows. When an organization’s senior ranks and an industry’s power players are mostly male, the “likes attract” principle means that women often have to work harder to build relationships with decision makers and influential stakeholders.

At the same time, there are few other women around for women to build professional relationships with. The result? Women are consistently excluded from male-dominated social gatherings, which let businesspeople talk shop and bounce ideas in an informal atmosphere that builds camaraderie and trust.

Compounding the problem is that men and women tend to favor different leisure and extracurricular pursuits. So men find it much easier to mix play and work in the first place, with pursuits such as golf, while women often struggle to combine the two spheres of life.

In my research, I ask people to list all the contacts they consult for work matters, as well as the friends they hang out with outside of work. Men often have some people on both lists—they’ll play squash or go to dinner with some of those work contacts. Women, in contrast, are more likely to have two separate lists. This difference is most pronounced for women who have children, when outside-of-work relationships tend to become more driven by school activities and family.

All of which means it takes longer for women to achieve influence. It also increases the likelihood that women will have unfavorable views about networking. The more we differ from key stakeholders, and the more we have to go out of our way to interact informally with them, the more likely we’ll view networking as disingenuous and calculating. So women begin to see networking as being about selfish gain and using people.

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What Skill Sets do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

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Breaking barriers

Aspiring women leaders can start taking charge of their network with three tactics.

Be a bridge. The best way for women to expand their professional relationships is by making connections across the diverse circles that make up their network.

For example, one marketing executive for a large manufacturing firm found herself attending events in which ideas were presented on which she knew could help her colleagues. She started writing up what she was seeing in a LinkedIn blog, and that raised her visibility in the company. When she met the author of a new book on agile working, she knew his methodology could potentially transform her firm’s operations. So she introduced him to a manager she had gotten to know through the LinkedIn column. Five years later, the methodology was in place across the organization—and she landed a promotion.

Limited Access

Women are less likely than men to say they have substantive interaction with a senior leader at least monthly, and the difference grows as they move up the career ladder.

*Vice president and above

Source: LeanIn.Org and McKinsey & Co. Women in the Workplace 2017 survey of 70,000 men and women

Do it your way. Effective networking usually involves investing time in extracurricular activities. But many women balk at what seems to be limited choice among things they are not very interested in, such as playing golf or attending sporting events. I have seen many savvy networkers, however, leverage a personal interest into something more strategic in the workplace.

Take, for instance, one investment banker who was passionate about the theater. Frustrated that she kept missing plays she wanted to see, she made her passion part of her business development. Four times a year, her secretary booked tickets, organized an informal buffet dinner at a restaurant near the theater and invited her clients, prospective clients and other key people she wanted to get to know better. The stage became a backdrop for developing her own business and facilitating connections among people in her networks.

Join a women’s professional network. Because women’s informal networks tend to have separate work and social spheres, it can be harder for women to achieve their potential. Joining a women’s network, such as the Wing, is a great way to bring the two spheres together. A women’s network can be a supportive setting for women to compare notes and reinforce one another’s learning. One website founder from New Zealand told me, “Coming here, there is a sense of comfort; you can fully relax.”

Ultimately, it is women’s misconceptions about networking that hold them back. If you believe you will never be any good at it or that you are wasting time, if there is a voice in your head telling you it is self-serving and political, you won’t commit to breaking your usual routine.

The only way to debunk such limiting assumptions is for women to try it and learn from their own experience that networking is one of the most valuable ways to invest their time.

Ms. Ibarra is the Charles Handy professor of organizational behavior at the London Business School. She can be reached at reports@wsj.com.

Appeared in the May 21, 2018, print edition as ‘What Women Need to Do to Network.’

Your #Career : The Emotionally Intelligent Way To Cold-Email People (If You Must)…People Don’t Love being Contacted Out of the Blue. So you Need an Opening Line that Puts your Recipient Front and Center. Here are Five Ways to Craft One.

March 18, 2018/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

I get about 10 cold emails a day. Most are from PR firms who know I’m a Fast Company contributor and want me to write about their clients. If the first line fails to draw me in, I hit delete; if I like the sound of it, I’ll read on. Same goes for cold phone calls from organizations pitching financial advice or seeking money for a charity: That opening statement is everything.

How do you create an opening–whether for an email or a phone call–that makes the person at the other end want to hear more? The answer is simple: flip your focus from yourself (or whatever it is you’re offering or asking for) to the person you’re reaching out to.

The fact is that nobody particularly likes to field cold emails or cold calls. But with a more emotionally intelligent opening, you can at least get them to listen. Here’s how.

NEVER DIVE RIGHT IN

It’s understandable that you want to get to the point–and explain why you’re writing or calling. But an opening line focused on your own agenda is likely a turnoff to the other person.

“The past six months has changed the way we talk about and understand gender equality in the workplace,” one recent PR pitch began. Okay, I thought, but why are you sharing this with me?Another publicity email opened with, “As we all know, millennials have grown up surrounded by technology, iPhones practically glued to their hands.” If “we all know” it already, what’s new here? Plus, I’m not a millennial, so why are you contacting me? (My editor, who is a millennial, isn’t too keen on millennial trend pieces, by the way.)

Some writers open with surprising facts about their subject, hoping the reader will care. One recent email began: “$46 billion a year is spent on leadership training, but a recent Gallup survey showed that 82% of employees find their leaders ‘uninspiring.’” Another began with a whopping 58-word sentence about the app the writer wanted me to profile (not something I do), but I’d had enough of that topic by the time I’d reached the end of the line.

The point here isn’t to complain about the bad practices of the PR industry. It’s that introductions to people you don’t know should never launch right into something abstract, newsy, or conceptual. Think about it: If you were at a networking event, would you begin a conversation with a content-rich disquisition on your area of expertise? Not if you wanted to engage your listener! The same wisdom applies to cold emails and phone calls.

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What Skill Sets do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

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BEGIN WITH YOUR AUDIENCE

Instead, open with a focus on your reader or listener. Make it personal, so they’ll feel you’re really are talking to them–rather than delivering a generic pitch. These are five emotionally intelligent ways to do that in your very first line:

1. Mention a mutual interest. You might begin your email, “Good morning, Frank. I’m writing to you because I know you’re interested in the way leaders communicate, and that’s a focus that my client’s company shares.”

2. Refer to a shared contact. Our working lives are built on relationships, so if there’s a network connection you share, point that out to the stranger you’re reaching out to–you’ll seem a little less unfamiliar. Suppose you’re the head of a consulting business, and you are calling a potential CEO client. You might begin: “Good morning, Barbara. I’m calling because Ashanti Masterton told me you have an ambitious speaking agenda, and she thought you’d be interested in how my firm might support you.” These mutual ties will often get your foot in the door.

3. Show you know something about them. My antennae would go up if I got a letter that began: “I know your work as a columnist for Fast Company, and I’m fascinated by your writing on emotional intelligence in the workplace.” Likewise, if you’re extending a speaking invitation, you might begin, “I heard your recent talk on team building, and I can’t think of a better message for my team. Would you join us for our annual retreat, and share that same message?”

4. Convey respect or appreciation for what they’ve accomplished. Suppose you’ve decided you want to be mentored by a senior coworker who doesn’t know you. Your first step might be to send an email that opens with, “I’ve admired you from a distance for your ability to break through the ‘glass ceiling’ in our industry, and I’d love to grab coffee to hear a little more about your career experiences.”

5. Say what’s in it for them. Maybe you’re job searching and want to talk with the head of HR about opportunities. Cold pitching about job opportunities is always a crapshoot (it may work better for informational interviews), but you stand the best chance with an opening like, “I know your firm hires some of the best talent around, and I wonder if you’d be interested in the strong communications experience I’d bring.” I tried this approach early in my career when I cold-called the HR chief for a large telecom company; it landed me a job.

The way you open will determine how things conclude. So always start by referring directly to your listener or reader–their needs, interests, and priorities. Yes, that may mean getting to your point a moment or two later, but it’s the only way you’ll be granted the opportunity to do so in the first place.

FastCompany.com | March 18, 2018 | BY JUDITH HUMPHREY 4 MINUTE READ

Your #Career : How To Ask Someone To Refer You For A Job (And Not Irritate Them)…Sometimes you Don’t Have any Insider Connections to your Dream Company. Don’t Let that Stop You from Asking for a Referral.

March 16, 2018/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

You probably know that referrals are the best way to get jobs.

As someone who works with a lot of students going through the job search, I’ve collected more data points on what types of messages work well, and what messages don’t when you’re asking for a referral.

Let’s talk about the cold message–when you contact someone you don’t know who works at a company you’re interested in. This is the toughest message to send. You’re literally reaching out to a stranger who is probably busy and not expecting someone they don’t know to ask them for help on getting a job. Not only that, you also don’t want to come off as annoying.

But keep this in mind: Anyone who’s held a corporate job for more than a year, and especially for those in the tech industry, know that cold emails or LinkedIn messages with a request to “set up a phone call to learn more about [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][company x]” is normal. In fact, they’ve probably done it themselves.

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What Skill Sets do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

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However, cold messages can be annoying. To avoid irritating the person on the other side of your message, use the following templates when you’re cold contacting someone with the intention of asking for a referral.

COLD MESSAGE TEMPLATE

Hey [Name],

My name is [Your name] and I saw this [name or role and insert link to the job posting] opening. I’m really interested in this role and all that is going on at [Company]. I read about [mention some positive news about the company from their blog or press article], it sounds like it’s an exciting time and there’s a lot going on! I’d love to chat with you more about [Company].

A little bit about me:

I’m currently a [your role at your company]. I’m responsible for [describe what you do].

Previously, I was a [role at previous company]. In my time there I [describe what you did]

I’ve attached my resume for detailed context.

Would you be for up for a phone call in the next couple of weeks? If so, I can send over a handful of time slots.

Thank you!

– Your name

This is a good cold message because it shows you’ve done research on the company, introduced yourself without overwhelming a stranger with your life story, and specified a request. As an added bonus, you’ve agreed to take on the hassle of coordinating times to chat.

The template is in email format, but you may not have someone’s email address for a cold message. If that’s the case, reach out with this message through LinkedIn. If you do, break up the template message into a few messages so you’re not sending a wall of text over LinkedIn.

If someone writes back to your cold message, they may or may not be willing to talk to you on the phone. If they’re open to a call, send over a handful of time slots to try to make it easy for them to find a time that works for them. Make sure you do some research to ask good questions about the role and company before you get on the phone. After the call, send a follow up email to thank them for the call and ask for a referral.

Here’s a good way to craft the sentence to directly ask for a referral:

If you have time and are willing, can you help submit my resume for the [role–include link to job post]?

If after the first cold message you get a response, but a phone call doesn’t work for them, they may reply back with, “What questions can I answer for you?” If this happens, send over a few, specific questions over email. Once you get a response to your questions, send a follow-up thank you email, and ask directly for a referral.

If you aren’t at a company right now, mention the productive things you are doing that are relevant to the role you’re going after. This could be an online course you’re taking, volunteer/consulting work, side project, etc.

DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK, YOU’RE ONLY HOLDING YOURSELF BACK

If you’re getting gun-shy about sending a cold email because you don’t want to come off as an intrusive nuisance, don’t be. It’s common practice, particularly for those working in tech.

I’ve always been surprised by how helpful people who I don’t even know have been in my career. It all started out with a cold message. So don’t be afraid to take the first step to reach out to someone–as long as you’re not annoying. You’re only getting in your own way of the job you want if you don’t ask.

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FastCompany.com | March 16, 2018 | BY DJ CHUNG—HACK CAREER 4 MINUTE READ

[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

Posts

1. “What brings you here?”

2. “How did you get involved in the industry/company?”

3. “Since you work in the industry, how do you feel about X?”

4. “How would someone get their foot in the door in your company/industry?”

5. “Based on your journey, what do you wish someone would have told you earlier in your career?”

6. “How do you spend your time outside of work?”

7. “What’s the best way for me to get in touch/follow up with you?”

1. THEY DON’T START A CONVERSATION WITH, “WHAT DO YOU DO?”

2. THEY’RE GIVERS, NOT TAKERS

3. THEY FEED THE BEAST

4. THEY LISTEN MORE THAN THEY TALK

HOW TO KEEP THE CONNECTION GOING

TYPES OF NETWORKING EVENTS WORTH YOUR TIME

1. Breakfast Networking

2. Industry-Specific Speaking Engagements

3. Roundtable Events

4. Happy Hour Networking Meetups

5. LinkedIn Groups

WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN PICKING A PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING EVENT

1. Choose an Event That Benefits Your Career Objectives

2. Find Out Where the Right People Will Be—And Go There

3. Ask Yourself What You Need to Learn

4. Find a Conference or Event That Fits Your Personality and Career Goals

HOW TO FIND NETWORKING EVENTS IN YOUR AREA

1. Your City Event Calendar

2. Eventbrite

3. Utilize Your Existing Network

NETWORKING LETS YOU PRACTICE TALKING ABOUT YOUR WORK

TALKING TO YOUR NETWORK HELPS YOU FOCUS (OR EXPAND) YOUR SEARCH

YOUR NETWORK CAN HELP YOU VET JOB OFFERS

1. SHOW GENUINE ENTHUSIASM FOR MEETING

2. OFFER A COMPLIMENT

3. ASK AT LEAST TWO OPEN-ENDED QUESTIONS

4. FIND SOMETHING YOU SHARE

5. SAY THEIR NAME BEFORE YOU LEAVE, AND COMMIT KEY FACTS TO MEMORY

Bonding problems

Breaking barriers

Limited Access

Women are less likely than men to say they have substantive interaction with a senior leader at least monthly, and the difference grows as they move up the career ladder.

NEVER DIVE RIGHT IN

BEGIN WITH YOUR AUDIENCE

COLD MESSAGE TEMPLATE

DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK, YOU’RE ONLY HOLDING YOURSELF BACK

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