TIS' THE SEASON - TO NETWORK!

As the holidays approach you will most likely be attending several office parties and family gatherings. The tendency by most people is to congregate with the same group that you have for years or take a nap as soon as the family meal is over. I challenge you this holiday season to break out of your shell!

This year instead of falling asleep in the lazy-boy visit with that uncle, aunt or cousin and learn more about what they do. If you are looking for a job, to change jobs or sell a product they just might have connections that you never knew about! At the office party pick the last two chairs at a table of folks you don't know so well and get to know them. Once again you may find out your new holiday acquaintance has a connection that might be useful to you or someone else.

Speaking of someone else, it is the time to give! Use your network and connections to help someone out this holiday season. You might know someone who is looking to make a few extra holiday dollars, refer them! You might know someone who can provide those specials tickets to a co-worker as a thank you! You might be the person who can provide that smile or hug that someone else needs!

Connect with those in your network over the holidays just to let them know you care!

Merry Christmas !

FIRST IMPRESSIONS LAST A LIFETIME ON THE INTERNET!

I am a big fan of the internet and using technology to network with friends and colleagues around the country. I am not so disconnected to realize as well that Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, LinkedIn are great places to share information about your lives with others. I had a boss once who told me that "you shouldn't do anything that you didn't want to end up on the front page of the newspaper". Well the worries of newspapers are long gone and now it is the internet, and more specifically social networking sites that you should worry about.

Don't get me wrong. Social networking sites are very useful in networking and with over 10 million Facebook users alone it can be a great way to advertise and target market products and services. We all learn from making mistakes and what you ultimately hope is that those mistakes don't cost you a great deal personally, professionally or financially.

Now for the "BUT"! So many are connected through "friends of friends" that connect you to others who you don't even know. What all people need to realize, especially young people is that individuals are developing impressions of you based upon what they see and hear about you. Just as businesses can succeed or fail by postive or negative word of mouth advertising the same is true for individuals. I hear people say "Facebook is my own personal space and it shouldn't matter what I put on there", WRONG! Every statement you make on a social networking site, every picture you post, every group you join says something to others about who you are. Many individuals connected to you through social networking have never met you and your friends include not just classmates but parents, relatives, teachers, coaches and others whose impression of you may be important to your future.

Do you know that college admission officers, scholarship directors, coaches and employers are looking at social networking sites. I have friends and colleagues who believe that what you do after school or work hours is your own business. To some extent that is true until you personally decide to post your "after hours" life on the internet.

There are thousands of cases where posting on social networking sites have cost individuals their jobs, families and reputations. I refer you back to almost 15 years ago now when social networking was just beginning to morph into what it is today. A high profile basketball coach at a state university was caught partying with a bunch of students who took pictures and decided to post them to the internet. The coach lost his job rightfully so but thankfully has turned his situation into a positive one.

I know the younger you are the more important it is to be perceived as "cool". In my eyes there is nothing "cooler" than people having the right impression of you rather than the one they create from social networking sites. Think about what your putting on social networking sites and is it leaving the impression that you want it to.

Final word: Growing up in a small town my parents always told me that "someone is always watching", and they were right. News always seemed to make it home before I did. In today's world of technology the entire world has become that small town I grew up in. You are being watched constantly and you are making an impression on thousands of people everyday all connected to you through the internet.

You are the CEO of "You Inc.". You are in charge of your "brand" and control how you are perceived. As the CEO of "You Inc." make sure the impression you leave is a positive one because a bad impression is hard to shake!

RANDOM OCTOBER NETWORKING

While attending my 25 year college reunion I ran into a classmate named Chris who had just recently moved back to Indianapolis after being away for a number of years. She is eager to find new employment in the Indianapolis area so I used homecoming as an opportunity to introduce her to a number of friends to build her network in the area. I am confident that by connecting Chris to others in the area that she will identify the right opportunity for her career.

At the conclusion of the same trip I attended a college fair in Bloomington, Illinois. While waiting for students to arrive my conversation with another college representative named Heather led her to communicate that she was an intern and looking for full time employment in sports marketing. In the true spirit of networking Heather followed up the next day with her resume which I then proceeded to email to 8 athletic department officials I know around the country. Time will tell if Heather is able to identify a position but she is one step closer than she was last Friday!

These are just two more examples of how random and spontaneous networking is. There is always an opportunity around the corner and the process of
networking never sleeps!

FALL IS A TIME FOR NETWORKING AT HOMECOMING!

You can feel it in the air when the leaves begin to turn and the night air becomes crisp! Its time for high school and college homecomings to take place all across this country. From the birthplace of homecoming at the University of Missouri, to the banks of the Wabash at Indiana State University to tradition rich Wartburg College alumni come "home".

My how people change! Some you don't recognize and some friends it seems like it was only yesterday you were hanging out together on campus. As you rekindle friendships and memories remember this is also a time to develop new acquaintances. Depending on what reunion year you are celebrating you may be just beginning a career, revitalizing one or getting ready to ease into retirement. In any case re-establishing old friendships and starting new ones is what homecoming is all about.

There is no better opportunity to network for a new job, sell a product or share an entreprenurial idea then at homecoming. Put the bragging aside about what all you have accomplished and think about what you still have ahead of you.

Most importantly, have fun and enjoy your time returning home to your alma mater. But while you are packing remember to include a few business cards to have handy as you meet old friends and make new ones!

You never know when that next opportunity will come but it just might be at the place where it all started!

VERIFYING REFERENCES IS A MUST IN YOUR JOB SEARCH

I can't tell you how many times I have called references that I am sure the candidate thought were going to provide positive responses. To be honest some of those references have been less than flattering. If you are in the job search mode you should contact your references so they are ready when that reference call comes.

Just a few reminders:

As you begin the job search contact your references to verify what they plan to say.

Notify your references if you expect them to receive a call and from what company or individual may be contacting them.

Send a thank you note or email to your references updating them on the status of the employment search they assisted you in.

Provide an updated resume ocassionally to your references so they have something to review before talking with potential employers.

Finally, make sure your pool of references reflect the diversity of experiences that you have had previously.

Good luck !

STAY CONNECTED TO FORMER COLLEAGUES

We all have good intentions of staying in touch with high school classmates, college classmates or former colleagues. The reality is that most people are good at this initially but over time we gradually lose touch with people. We are connected in life by our experiences and maintaining those former working relationships is important.

We have become a very mobile and global society. Individuals you have worked with move as often as you have and many times to better opportunities. There may be instances in your life where that former colleague can be of assistance to you. Make sure you periodically cultivate those relationships with former colleagues so when necessary they are a viable option for you.

Over the years I have seen many former colleagues move to positions where they have hired colleagues from their past. In addition you may move into a profession where those former colleagues become potential clients and customers.

So instead of closing the door on your way out leave it open for future opportunities.

LEADERS REMAIN LEADERS

As you move through life whether it be high school, college or your profession remember that leaders remain leaders. Individuals who assume leadership roles in high school and/or college do not stop being leaders in the professional world. So if you are impressed by an individuals leadership in a high school or college organization you participate in then stay connected to that person. In many cases that individual will become a leader in their profession and/or community and remaining connected could be beneficial to you at some point in your life.

All you Facebook and LinkedIn users make sure you reconnect with the Senior Class President, Fraternity/Sorority President, Captain of the sports team or Drum Majorette because most likely they are now leading another organization.

Remember, leaders remain leaders!

NETWORKING THROUGH SPORTS

Anyone who has ever played sports or has a child involved in sports knows that it is like a fraternity. You see many of the same people on a regular basis at tournaments or school events. As most modern parents know bleachers can be incredibly uncomfortable so get up and stretch those leg's by making a new connection. Sports are a greater connector of people and in addition to remembering which kid scored 2 goals or hit a clutch three pointer make sure you meet his or her parents as well.

I know in my own personal experience I remember individuals I played against 30 years ago and our paths have continued to cross over the years. Greg is a guy that I played basketball against years ago and I remember him as tough nosed, yet personable. Over 20 years later we found ourselves living in the same community and after reconnecting I ended up buying items from his promotions business.

So connect with those individuals who you battle on the court or field against. Most individuals who are competitive in sports remain competitive and successful in life so you want to stay connected to them.

NETWORKING AT LARGE EVENTS - ROUNDBALL STYLE!

So many times at big events people are rushing to get to their seat or on to the next event and not taking the time to engage others in conversation.

Well, here is a 12 hour example of the true power of networking from my time at the Final Four in Indianapolis. Try to keep up because it is a frenzy.

Within minutes of arriving at the Final Four I run into two high school coaches that I used to play against in high school, Steve Brett and Ron McBride.

Ramona Smith through my network reminded me before my trip to "congratulate" Bob Burchard the coach of Columbia College on his award. I run into he and his wife later in the day having never met him before and made the connection.

Earlier in the day I engage Bruce Pearl the coach at Tennessee in a conversation because he and my good friend John Feudo were roommates in college.

Not long after I run into a guy that looks very familiar. Instead of blowing it off I say something to him. He is Terry Futch a former basketball player at Indiana State in 1991 who I haven't seen since then. Only a few hours later I run into another Indiana State player Lasalle Thompson who runs a non-profit program for kids. I have encountered his father over the years officiating youth basketball games.

Then at lunch I begin a conversation with a young lady named Abby and her father from Dayton. Abby attends the University of Alabama and wants to be in the event planning profession. Before our conversation is over I have given her my card and will be introducing her to folks I know in higher education/athletics fields.

We get to the games and sitting next to me is Judge Clayton from Hannibel, Missouri who is good friends with the Brown family. Sitting right in front of me is Steve Alford's dad Sam and his wife. Their grandson and my son played AAU basketball together. Then just behind me is my good friend Bill Johnston from the University of Montana who I had no idea would be attending the Final Four.

MY POINT? I had no idea when coming here that all of these interactions would take place. Even when you are attending a event as a spectator you have the opportunity to network if you will just engage others in conversation.

This is a GREAT, BIG wonderful world we live in and take advantage of the truly wonderful people you have a chance to meet every day. Don't ever underestimate the power of talking to the person next to you or behind you.

ALL OF THIS INTERACTION TOOK PLACE BECAUSE I WASN'T AFRAID TO INITATE A CONVERSATION AND THEN CONNECT THE DOTS!

OH AND BY THE WAY ! GO BUTLER BULLDOGS!

TAKE THE TIME TO KNOW THOSE CLOSEST TO YOU

Many times we aren't thinking about networking when we are at family reunions, weddings or hanging with your roommates. Really take some time to ask questions of your relatives and friends to determine what they do for a living and who they might know. So many times I find that we know the least about those close to us and we just need to ask more questions.

At your next family event make sure you talk to a number of your relatives and find out what they do, or did for a living. Always remember that although they may be retired that your grandparents and parents are still connected. My father who winters in Florida lives in a retirement community where people remain active and connected! Don't forget that even if the blind date you are going on doesn't work out romantically you still have added another person to your network!

Never discard an introduction as meaningless and always ask enough questions to determine how this new interaction might be useful to you one day.

Final nugget: That waitress where you have lunch seems to know everyone, and you are right, she does! Don't ever underestimate the power of networking with who are dealing with the public on a daily basis. One of the best networkers I know is Jean at the local Pizza Hut. She is wonderfully friendly to everyone and everyone knows her!

Keep networking everyday, it will pay off!

THE MORNING AFTER - NETWORKING FOLLOW-UP!

You come home with a stack of business cards that you just collected at a networking event. The dog's need to go out, the kids want to play or you are rushing out to dinner with your significant other. You think I will follow-up with them tomorrow and then there are deadlines to meet and suddenly it is 2 months later and the contact has probably forgotten about you.

We all know that a personal note is still the "gold standard" in communication follow-up. But in today's hectic world you always have time to at least send an email. Make a point to carve out 20 minutes to type a short email to networking conacts you just made because it leaves an impression. It shows that individual that you are serious by staying connected and is a subtle way of providing your contact information again if they didn't get it or misplaced it for some reason.

For the individual who met a lot of people it provides them a refresher on what you might have talked about and the purpose of your interaction. Always remember to put in that one little tidbit of information and shows them you really were paying attention. If they tell you they were just married, recently had a death in the family or are planning a family vacation it is just a simple way to say, "I was listening".

As the recipient of many follow-up emails I can tell you I appreciate them because I can read them at my own pace. A phone call can sometimes to an interruption to your day especially if you are trying to meet a deadline.

Remember the second interaction is sometimes more important than the first and don't let a great connection slip away by not following up!

PAY IT FORWARD NETWORKING STYLE

Most of us have benefited from networking and we probably didn't even know it. How many times when moving to a new community have you asked others where to bank, get a haircut or to find the right doctor? Networking happens every day in our lives when we make referrals to others that benefit someone else. I can't even count how many times my network of friends and colleagues have benefitted me throughout life.

Because of that I feel an obligation to help others by connecting them to individuals who can assist them through the highway of life! Just this week I connected an old high school friend that I haven't seen in 26 years to a friend of mine here in Iowa because I found they both have a passion for baseball. Within a few days of them talking on the phone they both have already assisted a young man in fulfilling his dream of playing professional baseball, all in a matter of days.

A young woman who I only met a few weeks ago is now connected to two colleagues of mine at the University of Oregon so they can assist her in securing an interview for a position. I haven't seen or talked to these colleagues in 5 years and only met this young woman two weeks ago. All it takes is one connection to change your life!

I try to help others by using my network because so many others have used their networks to help me at various times. So the next time you meet someone think about how you might be able to help them connect with a member of your network for a mutual beneficial outcome for everyone!

Pay it for through your network!

NETWORKING WITH VENDORS

Almost every profession has a professional association or conference that you will belong to. Most of those conferences are subsidized through the support of vendors who provide products and services to all of us. In addition to their support of our profession one of the most valuable assets they provide you? They are a tremendous connection for you to have within your professional network.

A vendor partner travels the country visiting other clients in your same industry trying to sell their products and services. They are very aware of who in the industry is talented and a leader. They can be valuable to you when the time comes to move to another job or selling a product. In addition they are great resources to talk with when you are considering a potential move because they know, or have heard about the situation you may be entering.

Don't forget that you can be a tremendous resource for them as well if you are a satisfied customer and help them attract new businees. Never under estimate the power of vendors and how they can contribute to your professional success. The next time you attend a professional conference then make sure you stop in to meet the vendors and keep your name and/or your business active in their minds.

NETWORKING NEVER TAKES A VACATION!

NETWORKING DOESN'T TELL TIME!

I had a crush on a cheerleader from a neighboring town in high school and just never got her attention. Life goes on and 25 years later we connect through Facebook and catch up on each others lives. No this story doesn't turn into a love story, BUT it does turn into a sale!

It just so happens this female friend has a promotions business and through our conversations I purchased promotional items from her. As we have continued to stay in touch our friendship has grown and I am about ready to place another order.

BTW, after 25 years I am now in Iowa and she is still in Indiana. Do you think she woke up a few months ago and said "I am going to track down that guy from high school and see if he wants to buy something"? No she didn't but that is exactly what happened because we were both utilizing a social medium to network.

NETWORKING DOESNT TELL TIME!

We all have stories to tell and watch next week for the next story from Networking Man!

FILL YOUR WATER TANK BEFORE YOU ARE THIRSTY!

Every few months when I need a little diversion I decide to go through my Outlook address book or my rolodex of business cards. It is good to review all of your contacts and refresh yourself on how you know them, where you met them and when you last connected with them. Now with Facebook, Linkedin and others I find myself strolling through those contacts as well.

Remember, it never hurts to drop a contact in your network a little note ocassionally to let them know you are still interested in engaging them. A quick birthday text or email can be all you need to do to open up another networking door that had closed. Follow your networking contacts on Twitter with they have an account to again show them you are interested and remain cognizant of what they are involved in currently.

Wow, remember the old days when you actually had to write a note, call someone or send a telegram to stay connected to your network. For all those folks dumping their Facebook and Twitter accounts right now because it is too much work! Remember how much work it is to build your network when you don't have one or let it lapse.

FILL YOUR WATER TANK BEFORE YOU ARE THIRSTY!!!! You don't need your network until you need it!

DEBRIEFING AFTER THE EVENT

So you have just left an event and your brain is in networking overload, what next!


Before you put the car in reverse to rush home and watch "Two and Half Men", take a few moments to debrief. Take out the business cards you collected and write notes on the back of the card about something you learned about the person. If you don't have a business card then write on that notepad that you conveniently have in the car! Depending on your line of work it may be very important to know how many dependents they have, what their job title is or that they just cashed in a ton of stock! If they mention a job title or their place of employment put that down as well. You may want to even create your own ranking system that will help you prioritize your contacts.


Why is this important? You know how hectic life is and you are more than likely leaving this event to attend another event, return to work, have dinner with a friend or sit in the bleachers at a kids sporting event. If you don't take time to debrief immediately following an event then you might forget valuable information or get it confused with someone else you meet in the next 24 hours.

You may think "how could one name matter in a file of hundreds". That one name could be someone you are interviewing with in a few months. They might be the next referral for your business if you follow-up in the appropriate manner.

Speaking of follow-up. Watch for the next blog from Networking Man on easy ways to follow-up with individuals you have met at a meeting, conference or event.

Make a connection tomorrow that could change your life or someone else's!

NETWORKING SMALL TALK

Too many people overthink the "working the room" concept and are hesitant to begin a conversation because they don't have something witty to say! Just remember that a majority of the other people in the room are as reluctant to be there and start a conversation as you are. The "meaty" part of a conversation will come later but you never get to the entree if you are still dealing with your salad! Forget all of the hogwash about having an opening line of substance and just do what you are at the event to do, meet people! I have found over the years that some very simple greetings/questions can lead to the conversation of substance that you are seeking.

"Where is your hometown" or "Where are you originally from" are great conversation starters for several reasons. Where someone is from in the state, country or world can tell you a great deal about the person and spur other questions. It also is a great way for you to connect yourself to them through another person that you both might know from the area.

"How is your lunch" or "This is great punch" is another great way to initiate a conversation. Most people are just waiting for someone else to make the first move and once the ice is broken the water(conversation) begins flowing!

Watch a future Networking Man blog for the "exit strategy". If your purpose is to network and meet as many individuals as possible then you can't get stuck the entire time talking about the flying patterns of canadian geese!

See you soon and always remember. Everyone is connected to someone and you never know when that can help you or hurt you!

OPEN THAT DOOR WITH YOUR NETWORK - UNADVERTISED JOBS

Did you know that industry estimates speculate that over 85% of all jobs are not advertised publicly? That is an astounding percentage and in a highly competitive job market is makes a viable network even more vital to your success. Ultimately you have to sell yourself as an individual but getting the job interview is many times the most difficult aspect of the whole process. Make the network you have built help you get your foot in the door and then all you have to do is sell yourself!

Remember: Your network has to vibrant and ready to work for you! A successful network is completely dependent on how well you have prepared for the unexpected need to utilize it!

I have personally assisted hundreds of individuals in securing interviews, internships and jobs over the past 25 years. In addition I speak to groups on a regular basis about the power of networking. If you are interested in having me speak to your group on the power of networking contact Matthias Entertainment and Consulting at www.brentmatthias.com. If would like my assistance in securing your next job please contact me through Matthias Entertainment and Consulting at www.BrentMatthias.com

KEEPING YOUR NETWORK ALIVE!

When that dreaded day comes that you need your network to find the next job or make that big deal will your network be alive? To make sure your network is is alive and ready when you need it follow a few of these tips.

1) Periodically review the names in your network to refresh your mind on how you know them and became acquainted.

2) As you are waiting in the airport, at the bus stop or on the train send a quick text or email to members of your network to just keep them active.

3) Make comments in the notes section on outlook or on the back of the business card how you know this person and what connections you have with them in common.

4) Build your social network on Linkedin, Facebook or Twitter.

Your network can never be too big and remember that each person is a connection to someone you don't even know, YET!

More networking tips next week!