The Riley Guide: Network, Interview, & Negotiate

Networking Advice

Networking Tips and Pointers
The Art of Netiquette

We also have information on Networking and Support Groups,
Networking and Your Job Search, The Internet As a Job Reference, and Enetworking.
More networking tips can be found under Job Search Guidance.

Networking Tips and Pointers

The National Networker

...begun in 2005 by management consultant Adam J. Kovitz, The National Networker is unique in its emphasis on practical Networking strategy for business as well as Networking as an industry. A quick look at the current issue online shows articles focused on Regional networking news and information as well as Industry-focused articles followed by your more traditional sources of networking ideas. Under each category you'll find numerous archived articles which are as interesting and helpful as the current content. This is a free site and you can access the content at no cost, including their free newsletter. Seminars, etc., may have a registration fee or related cost.

Networking – The Core of Your Search, By Ford R. Myers, M.Ed. (executiveagent.com)

"Let’s de-mystify the networking process so it won’t seem overwhelming or confusing to you any longer. What follows is a highly structured and purposeful approach that consistently produces excellent results! Using your contact list to focus on the specific people to contact, here are the basic steps you’ll need to follow: " He gives you 7 easy steps to follow to make your networking easy and effective.

Networking Means Different Things in Different Countries, Nina Segal (Monster.com)

"In the United States, networking is done broadly, through friends and family, previous employers, professional associations, university alumni/ae, and even through cold contacts with strangers or organizations. [...] However, what does networking mean when you are conducting a job search overseas? If you are not aware of the professional norms in the country you hope to work in, this could prove disastrous in your job search, and destroy certain relationships before you have had a chance to properly begin them."

A Good Network is a Circle of Friends, Nick Corcodilos (AskTheHeadhunter.com)

"Networking" is an unfortunate term because it implies connections but ignores the importance of true relationships. Networking isn't about the quantity of contacts you make; it's about the quality of relationships you enjoy. This is an excellent 2-part article about networking, what makes it "bad", and how to make it work for you. The problem is that good networking takes time and it takes a personal investment in the relationship. But, as Nick says at the end of part 2, If you want others to open doors for you, open the door to them first. Give before you expect to get, and you will develop a good network: a circle of friends who will always be glad to help you because you're one of them.

Working a Room: A Guide for the Introverted, Judy Austin (Strategic Business Network)

...nice article with tips on surviving those major meeting events if you are not comfortable.

Network Internally, Judy Austin (Strategic Business Network)

Think about it -- how well do you know the folks you work with every day? They are a part of your network, an important part because they can help you each and every day of your work life, not just when you are looking to make a change.

The Art of Following Up (Strategic Business Network)

"For the rest of you who want to continually advance and forge relationships, I strongly suggest you fulfill the most critical part of networking – The Follow Up. (insert dramatic theme music) Appropriately re-connecting with people shortly after you meet sends the message “I am serious about a relationship, proactive and willing to invest the time and effort.”

What to Say When You Follow Up, Ilse Benun (Strategic Business Network)

A few ideas to help you build on the momentum of meeting someone in person, face to face, to reinforce the impact of your personal presence.

Seven Ways to Connect at a Networking Event, Dean Lindsay (Strategic Business Network)

"So your going to a networking function that you have never been to before (or maybe even one you have) determined to crack the networking code and start building priceless business relationships. Be aware that it’s possible to go to a networking event and not have any ‘networking moments.’ It is not just about showering and showing up. It’s about connecting with people and finding ways to help them progress. Here are seven proven strategies for making contact at networking events."

Top Ten Networking Skills for 2005, Diane Darling (Career Tips and Tactics from ExecutiveAgent.com)

...short but sweet list of the best networking techniques for the new year. Gee, they don't involve the use of online mega-networking sites.

Seven Ways to Maximize the Value of Networking Meetings, adapted from an article by Bruce L. Katcher, Ph.D. (Career Tips and Tactics from ExecutiveAgent.com)

Marketing yourself through networking is essential for ongoing career and professional success. Here are seven ways to maximize the value of professional networking meetings.

Networking Survival Tips and Top Conversation Starters (Career Tips and Tactics from ExecutiveAgent.com)

Insight and conversation-starting tips from Diane Darling, author of The Networking Survival Guide and CEO of Effective Networking, Inc. Among her other ideas, she suggest that before attending any networking you prepare three "neutral" questions you can ask to get a conversation started and gives you topics to consider (although you should be careful when talking about the local sports team).

What is Networking

Set up by the Rochester (NY) Women's Network, this is a great introduction to the art of networking. It also includes tips on working a room, working a table, and the informational interview.

Networking and Your Job Search

My own advice on this topic, gleaned from everything good that I have read or hear.

Networking Smart: How to Build Relationships for Personal & Organizational Success by Wayne E. Baker (McGraw Hill 1994. Available in paperback iUniverse, 2000)

No, not an online source, a book. Dr, Baker is a professor in the Business School at the University of Michigan. This is one of the few resources that discusses networking outside of the job search process. The reality of networking is it is most effective if it happens long before you start searching for new opportunities! If you can't find this in a local bookstore or library, ask about Interlibrary Loan. You may also want to check out his more recent book, Achieving Success Through Social Capital: Tapping the Hidden Resources in Your Personal & Business Networks (John Wiley & Sons, 2000).

Manners That Sell by Lydia Ramsey

This site offers advice from this business etiquette instructor. You can read several short articles she has written on a variety of topics including how to manage messy foods, top email mistakes, and successful meeting-and-greeting.

You may also want to look over our information on The Internet As a Job Reference as this also looks at online networking.

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The Art of Netiquette

Master the Basics: Netiquette

...a few pointers from Learn the Net.com. You might also want to read the related article on E-Mail Etiquette

The Core Rules of Netiquette by Virginia Shea

Excerpted from her book Netiquette, this is a list of ten general guidelines to follow in communicating effectively online.

NetM@nners.com

..."Because Netiquette Matters." Unsure how to behave online? Can't remember the proper way to address someone online? Check here for the answers.

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