Oftentimes, getting the job comes down to building relationships. One way I did this early on in my postal career was to seek out ways in which I could showcase other people and their talent.
Late motivational Speaker Zig Ziglar was often quoted as saying, “You can get everything you want in life, if you just help enough other people get what they want.”
Well, I learned that lesson very early on in life and because of my love for writing; I have been able to build relationships because I love to highlight other people and the talent they bring to this great organization.
So today, look to find what you can do to help others. Start building relationships and you will see how quickly you will be able to network yourself to a new job.
An excellent book that shines light on this topic is Never Eat Alone: And Other Secrets to Success, One Relationship at a Time
In the book, you will learn the importance of making others feel important by remembering things about them that most people don’t, such as their child’s name or their anniversary. Also don’t be afraid to open up and show vulnerability to others. It is a great icebreaker.
In the end, Ferrazzi presents a plethora of ideas to widen your circle of contacts that goes way beyond the usual concepts of “networking.” I highly recommend it.
Both great books – classics. Highly recommend
great post. i’ve been thinking a lot lately about how networking is so much more than just ‘lining one’s own coffers’; it can have a real multiplier effect , i believe, on a person’s career, as well as having the potential for being personally rewarding and meaningful.
Thanks Stephen, I agree that networking can be personally rewarding, especially when you look to see what you can do for others.
Meiko,
I was very excited to see your post. I have been working hard to try and network because I currently live in Cleveland Ohio, but I am looking to make the move to Washington DC. I have been looking to work in the Federal Government and/or do something with healthcare or conservation. Networking is such an important part of making that move because as it is said “it is not what you know, it is who you know.” I am hoping that being part of the GovLoop community will give me some help and/or connections to make my dreams come true. I hope that I will be able to assist someone in return. I also would be very interested to look into the books you mentioned. Thank you so much for sharing this.