Networking Findings Thus Far

Initially the objective for our blog, Networking: Not Working was to formulate a better understanding of “which type of networking is most useful, face-to-face networking or online professional networking?” However, after intense research our project took us in a different direction. We discovered that trying to answer this question would not provide the most benefit to our peers because it is not necessarily which method of networking is best. Instead, we found it most beneficial to explore a combination of both methods because together their unique attributes provide the most use to you, our intended audience, and reaching your career goals.

There are many benefits to online professional networking sites such as LinkedIn and Google+. One benefit is utilizing weak tie networks (i.e., secondary networks or networks of people that are not your family and closest friends). You are more likely to obtain new career information and opportunities from a weak tie. Since this person is outside of your strong ties immediate circle he/she is more likely to bring in and present new information for you and/or about you to potential employers. In addition, online networks allow you to market yourself to many people at one time, which may be dispersed globally. Further, many potential employers are able to view your profile simultaneously. Thereby enhancing your opportunity to showcase yourself and increase your chance of receiving interviews and/or job opportunities.

On the other hand, face-to-face networking has the ability to leave a longer lasting impression. It allows for improved communication for both parties. For example, communicating face-to-face allows for personable eye contact, as well as physical touch such as, a handshake which can provide more tangible cues in which to base one’s impression on. Such cues are unavailable when relying on computer-mediated communication. Another perk to networking in person, especially for perspective employees, is that you can observe nonverbal cues and use them to help to decipher a more in-depth understanding of what an employer is communicating.

We also found that even using social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook can be beneficial if used with caution. As long as you take precaution to monitor what you allow employers and others to see and take care to portray yourself in a positive light, these sites can be beneficial as secondary networking sources.

Although we have found different benefits for each form of networking, we have reached the conclusion that the best option for those of you (men and women ages 20-30) looking to start and advance your career, would be to use (and manage) as many modes of networking as possible. It is important to get your name out on the market in as many ways as possible, but don’t forget that “it’s not just who you know, but who knows you and knows what you know.”

For More Info:

You may find it useful to reference the below books and websites as additional resource as you look to perfect your own networking techniques and learn more about the benefits of networking.


Books:

• Understanding Careers: Metaphors of Working Lives by Kerr Inkson
• Networking is a Contact Sport by Joe Sweeny
• Guerrilla Marketing Remix: The Best of Guerrilla Marketing by Jay and Jeannie Levinson

Websites/Web Articles:

• Professional Networking Made Easy: Priming the Pump by Matthew Moran
• It's Not What You Know, It's Who You Know by Nardi, Whittaker and Schwarz
• Social Network Sites and Society: Current Trends and Future Possibilities by Ellison, Lampe and Steinfield

Through the Eyes of a Professional- V

Name: Jany Dempsey

Occupation:  Vice President of Bancorp South Bank; Financial Sales Representative

Member of Professional Networking Site: No

  


1. From your own experiences can you please tell me about a specific instance or general stage in your career where you found networking to be either beneficial or detrimental to you getting a job or promotion? 

I have been in banking since 1969 and in 2008 I was offered a higher position at another bank.  I was able to get that new job because of my network of customers and colleagues that I have built during my banking career.

2. To what degree do you feel building a network is important for your career field in comparison to other careers?


Being in banking, you have a greater range of networking opportunities than other career fields, because you come in contact with a lot more people.  A customer base is built from customers referring other customers to you.  Being active in the community is a very good way to network.

3. Do you feel that online networking is becoming more important than face-to-face networking? Why or why not?


No, face-to-face networking is a better way of networking.  A firm handshake and eye contact works much better than an email or online activity. 

4. From your own experience and the experience of friends and/or colleagues which form of networking provides job-seekers with the best opportunity to market themselves?


Traditional Networking because face-to-face contact, personal interviews, and references seem to be more successful.

5. What advice would you give soon-to-be college graduates entering the professional world regarding networking?


I would tell them to establish a good line of connections now that can help them in their future, when they are seeking a job.  I would also tell them to use all three types of networking to market themselves.

Networking Methods: No One Size Fits All

Although networking can be beneficial for individuals who find ways in which to utilize the strength of relationships, while working toward career success, the ways in which each individual utilizes networking and/or the ways networking is found to be most valuable, often varies.

In a study using Dartmouth College seniors, the use of peer networks and social networks in the search to obtain their first job was explored (Marmaros & Sacerdote, 2002). Through the use of self reports and employment outcomes researchers were able to gather the unique effects that gender, ethnicity and intended job field have on networking. The results reflected the following:

• Men are more than two times as likely as women to use fraternity contacts
• Nonwhite students are less likely to utilize both fraternity and relative contacts
• Law and medical students are more likely to rely on relative members as contacts rather than fraternities or professor contacts
• Finance Students rely heavily on fraternity and professor contacts within their networks

**Below you will find a chart which illustrates the type of network used by Dartmouth College seniors and each method's respective average salary outcome.

It is important that each individual identifies the methods and types of networking that are best suited for their own needs. After all, every person is equipped with a unique set of skills/tools, which can either work to their advantage or disadvantage when looking to obtain a job, dependent upon the proper use of networking methods. As if to attest to the need of unique methods, Joe Sweeney, author of Networking is Not a Contact Sport, devotes  two chapters to providing networking advice specifically tailored for women and minorities (2010). The tips and experience provided in these sections take into account not only general networking rules, but other unique elements and obstacles that the aforementioned groups may face. Furthermore, books such as Networking for People Who Hate Networking, Confessions of an Introvert, and Some Assembly Acquired all target specific groups of individuals such as introverts and women, as the authors give tailored networking advice and tips. 


Overall, survey results and experience gathered from various individuals make it clear that in order to network successfully you have to go beyond the basics. You must take into account all elements of networking including, but not limited to: ethnicity, gender, intended job field, and personality type. By doing so your networking attempts will more likely be successful in both the short term and long term. In other words, avoid using networking methods which are ill suited for you. Instead you should commit to practicing methods which best help you meet your individual goals and align with your skill-set. 


Source: Marmaros, D., & Sacerdote, B. (2002). Peer and Social Networks in Job Search. European Economic Review 46, 870-879. doi: 10.1016/S0014-2921(01)00221-5

A Peek Inside the Cover: "Networking is a Contact Sport"

     For many of us, the classic definition of networking is something similar to “the process of establishing beneficial relationships with other business people and potential clients and customers, or a way for like-minded confederates to exchange information, ideas, and support” (Sweeney, 2010, p. 12). However, author Joe Sweeney uses his book, “Networking is a Contact Sport,” based on personal experience as a successful business man and his love for sports along with the analogies that can be drawn from such, to reinvent how one views networking. Built upon the communicative focus of building and maintaining genuine relationships over time and presented as “an opportunity to give, not to get”, networking is approached from a new angle (Sweeney,2010, p. 12). More specifically, Sweeney explores networking from an angle which continuously highlights the reciprocal nature of the networking process. As each chapter takes the reader through different aspects of networking and doing so effectively, Sweeney presents several examples from his own experience and how he has made networking work for him and his business as well as personal relationships. Covering everything from the basic dos and don’ts of networking to the pros and drawbacks of social media as a networking tool there is a little bit of something for every individual.


     Within the book, there are several twist on the traditional view of networking, but two ideas and strategies really stand out as innovative. The first strategy is what Sweeney calls the “5/10/15 program”. This plan is a way for individuals to implement general networking strategies in a strategic manner that holds them accountable from day to day. Encompassing 5 encounters/meetings, sending out 10 pieces of correspondence, and making 15 phone calls a day, Sweeney’s plan emphasizes how establishing a network is only the beginning and to maintain these contacts one must put in a little work. In addition, Sweeney (2010) shares the importance of having what he calls a wingman or “someone who’ll fly by your side, prepared to watch your flank and see things you don’t see…a sounding board, a strong listener who’s available at any time to dialogue with you about what’s happening in your life and what you’re feeling” (p. 101). According to Sweeney (2010), the importance of having such an individual in your life is paramount not only in making sound business decisions but also to your overall wellbeing. Overall, Sweeney’s emphasis on these two strategies seems to directly attest to the importance of relationships as he focuses not only on how to build, but how to maintain relationships and make networking work for you long-term. Sweeney provides practical strategies of handling what otherwise may seem to be a daunting task for those just getting a hang of the networking process.


     Not only does Sweeney do a great job of taking on a new and fresh perspective of networking, but he is able to tie these new ideas into an age old perception of networking and relationships. More specifically, he does a thorough job of addressing the concept of  career as inheritance. Inheritance, as introduced by Inkson in his book "Understanding Careers: The Metaphors of Working Lives", is seen as a set of predetermined factors (i.e., race, gender, and socioeconomic class) which make it “possible to predict aspects of our career in advance” (2007, p. 28). Keeping this in mind, one thing I really appreciated about this book is that although as a white Irishman man Sweeney has not experience the implications of race and gender, within networking, he recognizes that such implications exist and he finds individuals well suited to speak on these issues within their respective chapters. Two chapters, networking isn’t all Black and White and Networking as a Women, give great insight into how individuals can combat obstacles that may arise from their “inheritance” and find a networking strategy that is tailored to their specific needs and allows them to succeed in Corporate America. Furthermore, in addition to his exploration of inheritance, there is a continuous yet subtle mention of how networking and one’s career can be seen as a journey as the author calls on his own personal experiences, from the age of eight to the present, and the different roles such as businessman family man, “wingman”, and mentor that he has fulfilled throughout the years.


     Although it is packed with a plethora of useful information, the book does have its shortcomings. For one, the examples provided throughout the book are based almost entirely on Joe Sweeney’s experiences. Such a narrow scope of experience, unfortunately, does not lend much credibility to the success rates of presented strategies because as we all know what works for one individual may not work for the next. In addition, though the tips and strategies Sweeney provides may prove to be useful to many other individuals similar to Sweeney, majority of the book, with the exception of one chapter, focuses on strategies more suited for the individual who has already begun his or her career. Unfortunately, the resulting audience, able to benefit from Sweeney’s advice, is narrow and isolates what could have been a broader group of individuals and encompassed those such as college students who have yet to make the initial steps in the networking process.


     Overall, I found the book to be an interesting and easy read. Written in a way which truly engages the reader while providing clear and easy to follow examples, the book is one that I believe almost any individual can benefit from reading as they try to grasp the ins and outs of networking. Whether or not the particular strategies will prove successful for all or even most individuals, I am not sure. Yet, by recognizing and using Sweeney’s advice and strategies as not a full proof plan, but a basis for building one’s own networking strategies, which are best suited for each individual needs, I believe much value can be obtained from the book. Because it is not always easy to start from scratch, especially in a situation which you are unfamiliar with, I do believe Sweeney’s advice is a good start to anyone interested in becoming a player in the networking game.

Source: Sweeny, J. (2010). Networking is a Contact Sport. Dallas: BenBella Books

The Keyword is Effectively...

"Meeting with people, talking on the phone or exchanging email is
more likely to get you noticed than simply sending your resume
to a generic address. Connections you make today can
help you in the future even if they don't produce
immediate job leads (Chan, 2009)."

Source: standfordbusiness (2009, May 20. Network effectively. Retrieved from: http://www.youtube.com/watchv=phVKyTSvSAY&feature=related.

Through the Eyes of a Professional- IV

Name: Avis LaFrance 
Occupation: Image Consultant 
Member of Professional Networking Site: Yes, LinkedIn  


1. From your own experiences can you please tell me about a specific instance or general stage in your career where you found networking to be either beneficial or detrimental to you getting a job or promotion?


Networking has proven to be beneficial on numerous occasions. Most recently, I attended an event where I met a number of professionals that provided possible leads for job opportunities.  


2. To what degree do you feel building a network is important for your career field in comparison to other careers? 


I feel building a network is essential to my career as an image consultant. Many of my clients have been referred to me through workshop participants or clients I have previously serviced.


3. Do you feel that online networking is becoming more important than face-to-face networking? Why or why not? 


I feel that online networking is beneficial, however, it does not lend itself to the credibility of face-to-face networking.  


4. From your own experience and the experience of friends and/or colleagues which form of networking provides job-seekers with the best opportunity to market themselves?


I believe face-to-face networking provides job-seekers with the best opportunity to market themselves. I think verbal and non-verbal communication are essential in having an accurate assessment of an individuals.


5. What advice would you give soon-to-be college graduates entering the professional world regarding networking? 


Networking is the key to the professional world... get busy building your network immediately, your success depends on it.

Take it to the Next Level

When utilizing social networking sites to connect with people, it may sometimes be difficult to figure out the best ways to develop valuable relationships with your online audience. Here are some small reminders that could have a big impact on your success in social media networking, as described by Jay and Jeannie Levinson in their book, Guerrilla Marketing Remix:

It is important to keep in mind that “there are several levels of relationship development in social media.” These levels are as follows:

1. Discovery: This is the first step of an online relationship between marketer (yourself) and consumer (your network). Discovery is made possible by getting yourself out there on your social media site. This could mean posting, finding friends you are connected to, or merely updating your profile so it is visible and relevant to others.

2. Consumption: Once you have been discovered your visitors will consume your content. “In order to engage, establish trust, and make people want to invest more time, energy and effort into learning about [you] and what [you] can do for them, [you] need to exceed prospective customers’ expectations with high-value content.” Your online profile needs to be credible, and able to open your consumers up to trust in your product/personal brand. Credibility is difficult because it is subjective, some may be more open to some content than others, leading some to subscribe to your postings right away, and others to merely scan and move on. Most consumption eventually leads to interaction, however.

3. Interaction: Interaction on social media sites can occur in multiple ways. Sometimes it is merely mechanical, as when you ask a question via your social media tool, and another user answers your question. Your audience can also respond to your posts, or share related content with you. The most important form of interaction on social media profiles however, is that which you initiate. The more you are proactive and visit social media profiles which are relevant to the advancement of your network and interact with those figures, the more doors you will open for the next stage, connection.

4. Connection: This happens when someone “adds you as a friend on Facebook, a connection on LinkedIn or mutually follows you on Twitter.” This doesn’t make you business partners, but merely is a way of saying you are interested in the content the other has to provide. Making a connection is an invitation to get to know someone better, so you can tailor your self-marketing to their “credibility model and values.” This is also a way of making your online relationship public, and a way for others to see who you know, and who knows you.

5. Consent: “If relationships were currency, consent would be the gold standard.” Consent is the highest level of online relationship, and is defined by the interest of your audience in your product or services. In the case of job hunting, this would be an employment prospect. When you have reached the level of consent with someone via social media, you have nurtured your online relationship into one you can depend on for “direct purchases as well as referrals.” In a job hunter’s case, direct purchases would be employment.

As you navigate through your online networks, keep in mind all of these levels and the ways to achieve them and you will have a better chance of achieving success in your employment search, as well as your personal brand maintenance. Remember, “Guerrilla social media marketing is both a strategy and a way of thinking and living virtual lives in the lightning-fast world of digital social networks.”

Source: Levinson, J. C., & Levinson, J. (2011). Guerrilla Marketing Remix: The Best of Guerrilla Marketing. Entrepreneur Media Inc. (235-240).

Keep Your Friends Close, and Your Acquaintances Closer?

Can Facebook, and other non-professional social networking sites (SNSs) help people to develop networks and professional connections in addition to professional networking sites?

     With the new developments of technology and SNSs "changes in interaction patterns and social connections are already evident among young people." ¹  These new interactions are expected to lead to two new changes across society.  At an "interpersonal level, the identity information in profiles helps to enable connections between individuals that might not otherwise take place." ¹  For example, if a person identifies with liking a particular singer, they can link up with other people who also like that singer.  Then at a "community level, the organizing feature of these sites lower the transaction costs for connecting people who share one interest but differ on other dimensions." ¹  In this instance, people can identify as acquaintances without having to make a huge time commitment to their friends on Facebook or other SNSs.

     Facebook is an easy way to connect with people that you meet briefly or do not know well enough to contact."  When we meet these potential acquaintances at parties, etc, each step of the process is fraught with potential pitfalls that can prevent individuals from reconnecting in the future." ¹  It is Facebook and other SNSs, that provide its users the opportunity to stay connected with these acquaintances for long periods of time.  Facebook helps us to meet our "bridging social capital which is associated with our weak ties or friends of friends, past colleagues or other acquaintances." ¹    Facebook helps people to widen their weak ties network.  Although we are not emotionally as close to weak ties as strong ties, "research has shown that we are more likely to receive information about an employment opportunity from someone we see rarely." ¹  So weak ties are more valuable for new opportunities than are our strong ties.

     Facebook helps to increase, the bridging social capital.  Facebook provides "status updates and feeds, enables individuals to broadcast both major life changes and daily activities to their network allowing for social surveillance." ¹   This helps keep Facebook friends keep in tune with what's going on with each others lives.  Even though "knowing these events won't change one's life, the knowledge accumulates into a powerful awareness of one's social network and provides continuous linkage to weak ties." ¹  Another perk is that this "can strengthen offline connections" or "provide a reason to reconnect with an old friend." ¹  

     All in all, it could be extremely beneficial for a person to create contacts through SNSs.  It is a simple way to stay in contact with someone that you meet in class or on a walk through the part.  Since weak ties are more beneficial for the sharing of information, they are more likely to lead to career, job, or internship opportunities.  Having lots of weak ties on Facebook, could help a person to discover an opportunity that he or she would not have known about otherwise.  So when looking for a job, it could be better to keep one's acquaintances closer than one's friends.  

[¹] Ellison, Nicole B, Cliff Lampe, and Charles Steinfield. “Social Network Sites and 

Society: Current Trends and Future Possibilities.” The Potential for Technology-Enabled Connections (Jan. 2009):

 6-10. Google Scholar. Web. 22 Oct. 2011.

What's your Networking IQ?

Networking Quiz:

Below is a short quiz based on not only several networking basics, but many of the tips and tricks of successful networking as presented by Author Joe Sweeney in his book, “Networking is a Contact Sport."

True or False:

1. The most successful techniques of networking remain constant regardless of gender or race.

2. It is important to network across the board and with individuals from all different walks of life. For example, it is just as important to networking with the diner waitress as it is to network with the company CEO.

3. When attending a social event it is better to mingle and converse with fewer individuals so that you can build stronger ties within your network rather than “spreading yourself too thin."

Multiple Choice:

4. Networking should be treated as _________ in nature.

        a. self-serving

        b. reciprocal

        c. social

5. After meeting a new individual and receiving their business card you should ____________.

        a. throw it in a drawer somewhere for future reference.

        b. call/email them the next day to see how they can help you meet your career goals.

        c. write a short note about the person on the back to help you remember them.

Through the Eyes of a Professional-III

Name: Robert M. Long

Occupation: Attorney-Public Utility Commission of Texas Legal Division

Member of Professional Networking Site: No


1. From your own experiences can you please tell me about a specific instance or general stage in your career where you found networking to be either beneficial or detrimental to you getting a job or promotion?

I am an attorney. When in private practice in law it’s not so much about getting a job or a promotion, but rather getting clients and cases. I was contacted to be a local counsel by a Washington law firm in a big national case because people I had worked with years before recommended me. Much of legal referral work is based upon personal relationships one has developed and maintained through networking. This is the way you get most of your new business.

2. To what degree do you feel building a network is important for your career field in comparison to other careers?

Networking is very important for developing business. Many other fields use advertising and other methods to develop business, but the legal profession relies on networking. This is because the profession has restrictions on advertising as a part of its code of ethical conduct.

3. Do you feel that online networking is becoming more important than face-to-face networking? Why or why not?

I really don’t know because I am older and simply don’t use on-line networking.

4. From your own experience and the experience of friends and/or colleagues which form of networking provides job-seekers with the best opportunity to market themselves?

I believe the best form of networking is face-to-face. That’s just based upon my experience.

5. What advice would you give soon-to-be college graduates entering the professional world regarding networking?

Keep it up. It’s the contacts you make when you don’t need a job or business that pay off later. If you wait until you need something it is pretty apparent why you are networking at that time. Stay in contact with your networks even when nothing is being sought.

Lines Blurred: Are Social Networking Sites the Best Grounds for Career Networking?

     "Career-relevant networks are often limited to a specific focus or membership" (Inkson 2007). With a rise in the amount of  networking occurring through social networking mediums, a new "career community" has arisen. Inkson explores this concept (as cited in Parker and Arthur 2000), " the term career communities is used to describe member-defined communities from which people draw career support" (Inkson, 2007, p. 184). The use of social networking sites have allowed Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+ and many other sites to become career communities.

      Dutta and Fraser (2009) explore the phenomenon linking career networking to social networking sites through sites such as Facebook and LinkedIn. In a previous posting we discuss the implications of using social networking sites for career networking purposes and advised social network site users on etiquette for career networking online. Dutta and Fraser (2009) address the implications of the usage of sites such as Facebook for career networking. "With so many people stampeding into Web-based social networks, the line between social and business networking is becoming increasingly blurred. An important question is whether the

values and codes of conduct specific to the virtual world will come into conflict with real-world

values and norms" (Dutta and Fraser, 2009 p.1). 

     While the transition of the use of values and code from the real world to the virtual world remains a question. The authors explore the economic trends behind the move to social networking sites.There are, of course, powerful economic reasons behind the trend. One of the primary reasons is social capital  where "individuals engage in interactions and networking in order to produce profit" (Dutta and Fraser, 2009 p.2)  "These profits are based upon information, influence, social credentials, and recognition. The accumulated social capital, meanwhile, helps individuals to gain competitive advantages in the labor market as a result of privileged access to “resources” located on the social networks" (Dutta and Fraser, 2009, p.2)

     Through utilizing social networking sites as a medium for career networking individuals due to the plethora of weak ties that are available, I would argue that more opportunities to access jobs exist. Inkson (2007) delves into this concept (as cited in Granovetter (1974) of "the strength of weak ties". "Weak ties put people in touch with others who are socially distant, thereby creating new opportunities to progress..." (Inkson, 2007, p. 185). This concept creates a wide range of opportunities for those seeking career networking opportunities online.

Source: Dutta, S., & Fraser, M. (2009, December). When Job Seekers Invade Facebook. McKinsey Quarterly. Retrieved from http://whispersandshouts.typepad.com/ files/facebook-for-job-seeking-1.pdf

Through the Eyes of a Professional-II

Name: Rebecca Gentry
Job Title: Manager of Loyalty Systems
Member of Professional Social Networking Site?: Yes

1. From your own experiences can you please tell me about a specific instance or general stage in your career where you found networking to be either beneficial or detrimental to you getting a job or promotion?

I’ve gotten my last three jobs through networking. This was beneficial for me because I was better able to judge the appropriateness or “fit” of the particular jobs, as I worked with the people in my networks previously. It was also easier for me to express my goals for advancement.

2. To what degree do you feel building a network is important for your career field in comparison to other careers?

My position is quite specialized, therefore it's important to network with other contemporaries in my industry for trends and innovations.

3. Do you feel that online networking is becoming more important than face-to-face networking? Why or why not?

Yes, because the online world is always at your fingertips. Face to face interactions are less permanent and impressionable than online ones. 

4. From your own experience and the experience of friends and/or colleagues which form of networking provides job-seekers with the best opportunity to market themselves?

Personally, I feel that face to face can provide better opportunities for self marketing. Online profiles are one dimensional, and it is difficult to convey special personal qualities and abilities merely through words. When you are face to face with someone, they are able to see your flare.

5. What advice would you give soon-to-be college graduates entering the professional world regarding networking?

Use all of your resources: online, face to face, and experience. Its all about marketing yourself. The best thing to do is get yourself out there.

Networking Importance: It isn't who you know, but who knows you and knows what you know

     "Networking involves deliberately building contacts and reputation to 'get the success you want by tapping into the people you know'.^{1 "}This reminds me of the saying, "It's not what you know, it's who you know." However, according to Moran (2006), that phrase has a negative connotation.² The phrase insinuates that knowledge is not as important as your network, so he changed the phrase to make it more accurate: "It isn’t who you know, but who knows you and knows what you know."

     I always took the "original" statement to be true without much thought because so many adults, specifically professors and other professionals, have engraved this idea into our minds to seem important and true. However, Moran's updates and revisions to the popular adage make a lot of sense. I am shocked that I have not realized before that knowledge was left out of the original phrase, "It's not what you know, it's who you know." I mean what's the point of getting an education if all that matters is who you know?

     That being said, I would also like to consider adding expertise to the equation. Knowledge is important, however it is a broad term that does not imply any sort of direction. Expertise, on the other hand, focuses employers' attention to a more concentrated kind of knowledge that you have encompassed. In my opinion, the whole point of a college major is to become an expert in the field you want to start your career. Furthermore, in order to become an expert in your expected career, you should become knowledgeable of a wide range of skills that are required and/or expected by employers.

     According to Nardi, Whittaker & Schwarz (2000), the idea of networking can be dated back to the 1940s, but they argue that the difference is the current "intensity and absolute necessity of networking for practically everyone.^{3 "} So, why is networking so important? While considering this question the term social capital comes to mind. Social capital refers to the connections within and between networks⁴ and the resources that we can access through our contacts.⁵

     In other words, who you have in your network should be people that have something to offer you (i.e., the potential to help further your career). For instance, my mother tried to add me to her LinkedIn network, but her career has nothing to offer in furthering mine, so I politely and respectfully declined her as part of my LinkedIn network and instead added her to my Facebook network because I perceive Facebook to be more of a social network than professional network. In addition to being able to receive something from your networks, you should also give back. Reciprocate; offer your knowledge and who you know to others, so your relationships are not one-sided.

Succeed at the Communication Career Fair

What:      Communication Career Fair

When:     12:00- 5:00 on Wednesday October 26, 2011

Where:    DKR Texas Memorial Stadium North End Zone-The Club (8th floor in the Red McCombs Red Zone) 

Why:           Network

Who:           List of employers that will attend the fair: http://communication.utexas.edu/ccs/career-fairs.

How:           Below are some easy steps to help you succeed at the Career Fair

Entering a Conversation: 

1. Initiate the conversation; don't wait for the employers to approach you!
2. Prepare a 20 second elevator speech and PRACTICE before you use it on a potential employer.
3. Relax! Make sure you remain conversational and genuine during your conversation.

Engaging in Conversation: 

1. Converse.  Don't expect the employer to carry on the entire conversation.
2. Show interest by asking questions.
3. Reciprocate.  The employer wants to talk to someone who is truly interested in them.

Exiting a Conversation:

1. Exit gracefully.  Be respectful of the employer and NEVER abruptly leave the conversation to speak with another employer.
2. Exchange necessary information.  Make sure to give them a resume or business card, and also make sure to take contact information from the company.
3. Make sure to thank them for their time!

Follow Up:

1. Use LinkedIn or other professional networking sites.  This is a great way to stay connected!
2. When you follow-up, make sure to remind them of something unique about yourself or a piece of information that will help them recall your conversation. 

Good Luck! 

*Advice and information found on College of Communication website,  http://communication.utexas.edu./ccs/career-fairs.

LinkedIn Etiquette

     With the growth in popularity of professional networking sites such as LinkedIn, there is great need for new social media etiquette because while a user may be doing what is deemed socially appropriate on Facebook and Twitter, they could be committing a huge “professional social networking faux pas" on LinkedIn.For many users this could be the difference between getting hired or not.

     As the use of social networking has grown, we have witnessed the birth of an unwritten code of etiquette for users of social networking sites. For example, most Facebook users know that it is a huge DON’T to constantly update their status about the mundane details of their life like, “I ate a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for lunch”. A huge DON’T committed by Twitter users is constantly retweeting what other Twitter users' say. We all know this person they never have anything of their own to say; they just retweet what others say. In order to prevent yourself from being "one of those people" on LinkedIn, here are four easy tips to assist in putting your best foot forward on social networking sites:

1) Use a professional head shot for your profile picture; photos that are humorous, artistic or provocative are not appropriate for LinkedIn.

2) Make sure you have no spelling errors. Future employers may make blanket generalizations about you based on misspellings.

3) Unlike Facebook and Twitter it is important that your “connections” are actually individuals you know or have had some type of interaction with.

4) View the biography section of LinkedIn as the equivalent of a resume, make sure it is professional and abides by general resume rules. Keep the personal interests and hobbies limited.

Through the Eyes of a Professional-I

Name: Anthony Brock

Profession: Regional Human Resources Manager

Member of Social Networking Site: Yes, LinkedIn. 

The above video contains the audio from an interview conducted on September 25, 2011. The interviewee, Anthony Brock, was asked a series of questions pertaining to his experiences and opinions related to networking in both a traditional and nontraditional sense.

A Letter to the Reader

Dear Reader,

Welcome to our blog, “Networking: Not Working”! Here, we will explore the dos and don’ts of networking in both traditional (face-to-face encounters) and social media (LinkedIn, twitter, etc.) environments, as well as what networking means to the success of your current or future career. As five University students, we each have learned the importance of networking through our time as interns, organization leaders, students, and employees. Due to our experience and having received constant advice, which stresses the importance of building relationships and networking for career success, we have decided to create a blog for the sole purpose of providing men and women ages 20-30 with the tools and knowledge to strengthen and maintain their own networking skills and habits. It is our hope and overall goal to provide you, our audience, with well directed guidance as you make your way toward and through the initial stages of your prospective career.

We are glad that you have decided to join us on this journey as we delve into the world of networking and look to answer several questions, such as:  what is networking, why is networking important, how can I network successfully, and how has networking benefited successful professionals in the past? To assist in answering these questions, from not only a plethora of diverse individual experience, but scholarly work as well, we have decided to provide you with a variety of post. This blog will include: articles, interactive post, and one-on-one interviews with various professionals. Though each post will be unique in its topic, each of them will approach networking from a knowledgeable angle and hopefully allow for you to build your own repertoire of networking knowledge.

Before we get started, we ask that you please keep in mind that although we genuinely hope the information and tips we will provided are applicable to creating your own success, there is no one size fits all method when it comes to networking. Nonetheless, although our blog is not a complete guide to successful networking, by taking the information and tips provided and strategically shaping them to fit your own personality, goals, and level of networking expertise, you can make strides to achieving career success by harnessing the invaluable power of relationships through networking.

We hope you’re ready to unleash the power of networking, by establishing and maintaining one contact at a time. Lets get start!

Sincerely,

The Networking: Not Working Team