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How many times have you heard that old axiom, "It's not what you know, it's who you know"? Old axioms usually become history due to their wisdom and this one is on the money, especially in your job search process.
Networking, or relationship-building, is critical to your success in securing your next position. It ranks at the top of effective job search techniques. Some job seekers either fear it: "I'm shy!" "I might not get be able to get a response (rejection); have a deer-in-the-headlights response: "I don't know many people." "I'm new in the area"; or are trapped in depression: "It's just too much work," and "No one will bother to spend time with me, anyway."
When I ask my coaching clients to develop a list of personal, professional and social contacts that they might approach, I am often met with silence, followed by some pretty inventive reasons as to why this is not a reasonable request. We then need to talk about the client's underlying issues in simply creating a list before actually moving on to developing a "Circle of Power," those individuals who will become important partners in the client's successful career quest. Frequently, the main reasons for most are the discomfort of asking for assistance and letting people know of personal circumstances. What is interesting to me is the client's response when I pose the question to him or her: "Would you be willing to offer assistance to someone who asked you for advice?" Looking at the situation from that standpoint seems to soften objections.
Who is in YOUR Circle of Power? Who should be there? What is your criterion for individuals to belong? How would you approach that person? What is your greatest fear about developing your network? What could be the greatest benefit to you by creating a really powerful group of people who believe in you and sincerely want to help you move forward in your career?
Written by Sally Cofer-Lindberg
Nothing diminishes anxiety faster than action.
~ Walter Anderson, The Confidence Course, 1997
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"Who Is In Your "Circle of Power"?"
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