Does just thinking about networking make your palms go sweaty, your stomach ache, and bring out your well-rehearsed networking excuses? Well, if this is the case it’s probably safe to say, you may have a ‘networking phobia’. So, what can you do to overcome it?

First of all, don’t be too hard on yourself. Effective networking can be learned and all it really takes is practice, a willingness to connect and some patience (mostly with yourself). Many times when someone is in job search mode they imagine networking as standing around asking people for a job. Nothing could be further from the truth. When networking is approached from what it truly is – connecting, building relationships and staying in touch with others – then your approach can take on a whole new meaning, even when facing job search.

Ok, so you say you’ve heard all that stuff before. But, you ask, what about handling infamous questions, such as “What do you do?” – or, “Where do you work?” These questions usually pop up during networking and can really bring on a good case of networking phobia when you’re not currently employed. Often times when you don’t have a company to apply your profession to at the time, talking about what you do or where you work can turn into a bit of a tongue twister and can even stop you from getting out and networking at all. A great way to handle this is to create a 30-second pitch, or commercial as it is sometimes called, surrounding “what” you do as a profession. Are you an IT Professional? Are you an Accountant? A Recruiter? In other words, don’t focus on the fact that you are not currently applying your profession at a given employer, really focus on “who you are” in your professional world. Create a 30-second pitch that covers what you do professionally, what you’ve done most recently and what you are currently looking for. This way the person who asked you gets a convenient snapshot of you, which can produce good follow on conversation and possibly even a job lead. Let me give you an example:

Fred says: “So, Sally – what do you do?”

Sally says: “I’m an Accountant. Most recently I was with Prima Corporation where I designed and implemented accounting and consolidation procedures. Prima moved their operations to Southern California, so I’m currently exploring new opportunities within the accounting profession where I can use my expertise in building strong accounting policies, as well as working with Sarbanes Oxley compliance.”

So, what you have here is the beginning of a networking conversation between two people. Fred now has several options with Sally. He can ask more about her specific experience, or perhaps more about what she is looking for, or he may even provide Sally with the name of a friend she could contact. Once you become more comfortable with networking you can begin to add “impact statements” to your 30-second pitch, which will tell people more about the value you add to your profession and how an employer benefits from your expertise.

Coaching is a great way to work through developing your networking processes, if you’re interested in finding out more be sure to visit us at FiredUP Careers where we work to help you create career success without compromising your life!

Posted by Robin Ogden - FiredUP Careers

Visit us and get your FREE report and while you’re there check out our Great Video ebook!