The RHB way to Network for a Job or a Client

I chatted with two new people this week – both were relatives of associates, very nice people and both are in job search mode. Neither had been to my seminars and it was apparent they were challenged by the concept of "RHB networking." I had some conversations with both B. and R. and I thought this was worth a blog.

Networking

• email everyone you know and ask if they can help you (eg get a job).
• email your resume to everyone, including people you haven't kept in touch with for years.
• keep a stack of resumes to hand out to anyone you meet.
• rely on a friend/your Mom/your brother-in-law to get that perfect position for you.
• recognize that "good things just sell themselves" and you'll get that position if you just wait long enough.
• put all your eggs in one basket. Stop your networking as soon as you get short-listed for a job.
• get upset that you are unqualified because you are too old/young/under-educated/over-educated/not good looking enough.

RHB Networking

• buy 10 thank you cards and 10 stamps (minimum).
• put together an Outreach document. If you are confused or frustrated by where to go and what to do to find prospects, try read "What's Next?" a great book by Dr. Barbara Moses. I also have an article published in Guerilla Marketing for Job Seekers 2.0 – authored by Dave Perry – the Rogue Recruiter! I'm also in his latest book  Guerrilla Marketing for Job Hunters 3.0

• Start looking through Linked In (you can send me an invite, make sure you alter the generic introduction and tell me you're a RHB in the invite), then search for your companies among the RHBs in my network. Remember the 3 RHB rules for networking: 1) If I (or anyone else) introduces you to someone, don't make us look bad 2) let us know how it goes 3) When you can, help someone else.
• pick up the phone and start calling friends and family. Invite them out for a coffee. Renew your friendship and then ask if they can help you. Show them this document and ask if they know anyone on the list. Ask how you can help them. Ask for permission to call these people and use their name. remember, these aren't job interviews, they are informational interviews.
• start off with this script to open the conversation then have a list of questions ready.
  • eg. how long have you worked for your company?
  • eg. do you enjoy what you do?
  • eg. how did you find the company/how did they find you?
  • eg. where do you see the company going?
  • eg. what are your biggest challenges?
  • eg. do you see any fit for someone of my background and experience in your company or industry?
  • eg. is there anything I can do to help you?
• try to find something you have in common with the callee (residence, schooling, family, sports, etc).
• send thank you cards to your friend who referred you to the individual and to the individual. Make sure they are specific, sincere and searchable.

Don't be upset if people forget to return your call or are tardy in getting back to you. Stay in 3rd gear. Keep the pipeline full. Be persistant but not pushy. Keep paying it forward and if you get down – keep asking people how you can help them. The go out and keep your promises.

About Dave Howlett