Bridges

Edition of 4/7/2008

[Bridges]

Building and using a network is one of several areas I focus on when I work with clients. I do this in part because the statistics are fairly compelling. It's estimated that between 70 and 80 percent of all jobs come through networking. Similar statistics exist for business referrals. Yet many people tell me they are uncomfortable with the concept of networking. Networking is a wide-ranging concept. While it can be about business referrals or finding a job, it can be much more. At your business or in the office, are you more likely to hire a consultant that has come from a personal recommendation from someone you trust? How many parents do you know that use the power of networking to find a babysitter by asking friends and family for recommendations. How often do you ask friends and colleagues for a personal referral when looking to find a doctor? And even with the advent of on-line lists of 'preferred' vendors, how often do you turn to friends and neighbors when you are looking for a contractor?

Recently, I had the privilege of attending the Women's Leadership Forum co-sponsored by APIW (Association of Professional Insurance Women),and a number of prominent professional organizations. The keynote speaker Professor, Linda Carli, spoke about an article recently featured in the Harvard Business Review and the book she co-authored called "Through the Labyrinth: The Truth About How Women Become Leaders. Dr Carli had lots of wonderful points about the unique challenges facing women leaders, but one point that especially resonated was when she spoke about women's "underinvestment in networking and their need to "build social capital". She said that when someone is overcommitted and short on time, one of the first things to go is time devoted to this type of social activity. She cited her research where networking and mentoring are proven keys to one's success.

Her talk reinforced work I've done with clients. None of us is totally self-sufficient, and building a network is crucial to both business and personal success. I can't tell you how many clients and colleagues have told me they heard about an opportunity because someone gave them the heads up about a job before it was posted. Others have conveyed stories about office politics and how co-workers supported their efforts to head off conflict.

The most important thing to recognize is that networks need to be reciprocal. What information or knowledge do you have that you can share with members of your network? When a colleague or client has a request, how can you become the well-connected person who can offer assistance? Then, when you really need it - whether for a new job, new client, or to find a key piece of information - you will have that network in place.

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CAREER TIPS - Part 2

What are some career strategies you can use during a recession? A recent article in the Wall Street Journal On Line suggests a couple of things: demonstrate a willingness to help, to take on an extra project if needed; work smarter- look for ways to help your company with its specific challenges, perhaps you have an idea that could save money or increase productivity; network now, not when you need to find a job; search internally - not all divisions may be preparing for a layoff and you are already a known entity.
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For those who ask me what it is that I do, I offer coaching and business consulting in the following areas:

-Business Consulting & Executive Coaching - working as an independent sounding board providing advice on staffing issues, developing emerging talent and helping managers sharpen their communication and management skills;
-Career Coaching for career advancement, change or transition;
-Not for Profit Consulting - providing Executive Directors with independent sounding board, consulting on staff issues, board relations and staff development
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FINAL THOUGHT
The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one. - Mark Twain

COPYRIGHT: 2008, Robin Fogel & Assoc., LLC. All Rights Reserved. May be distributed and reprinted in its entirety with copyright, subscription instructions, and contact information intact. However, you may not copy it to a website.