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Friday 10th February 2012

As we approach the end of the summer holidays and busy Mums are getting their children ready for the start of the new school term, Majella Wilkins of Return2WorkMums  provides some return to work exercises for those Mums who will be job hunting once the children are back at school in September.


Summer Homework for Women Returners: the Power of Networking as part of your Job Searching Activity

The summer holidays should be a time of fun with the children. However, by setting aside just 15 – 20 minutes a day busy Mums can start to prepare for their return to work and those all important meeting with recruiters and potential employers. Follow the links to see all the Return2WorkMums series for Women In Technology:


This week’s exercise is all about networking and how to use your Personal Brand and introduction statements for best effect.

NETWORKING – I CAN’T DO IT!
When I suggest networking to women returners as a very effective research and referral tool when job searching I’m often met with a negative response. Some of the negativity comes from an inaccurate view of what networking is really about.

Networking is:
  • A great way of sharing information and ideas
  • A professional approach for meeting new people and extending your personal contacts
  • A non threatening way of exploring new opportunities
  • Great for developing your knowledge and with that your confidence
  • An activity we all do to some level or another
  • As much about good listening as talking – we have 2 ears and 1 mouth and should use them in that ratio
  • Not a pushy sales approach
  • Not all about you but an effective communication between you and others to build rapport and connections for mutual benefit and enjoyment.

I particularly like the phrase “chain of helpfulness” as the best way of summarising the most effective way to network. Effective networking is about being generous with your information and contacts. In my experience, those that give generously and are open and curious in their networking are rewarded considerably more than those who take a “what’s in it for me” style approach.

BUILDING YOUR PERSONAL “CHAIN OF HELPFULNESS”
Starting with a blank sheet of paper start to jot down categories relevant to you:
  • Family
  • Close friends
  • Clubs
  • Church
  • Neighbours & local community
  • College/local courses/seminars attended
  • Hobby & leisure pursuits
  • School Mums & Dads
  • Existing business contacts
  • Past business contacts
  • Existing colleagues
  • Past colleagues

Now start to populate each of the categories relevant to you with names of people. Some of these contacts you will know well, others less so and others you may not have been in contact with for some time. At least capture all the data to start.

There is a theory called the “six degrees of separation” where you can reach anyone else in the world in six steps as one immediate contact leads you to the next and the next until you reach the person you most wanted to connect with. Do not exclude any contacts, therefore, from your master list. This is your personal & confidential working document. You will need to organise it in a format that you can use and refer to regularly detailing your follow up actions and introductions.

DEVELOPING YOUR PERSONAL “CHAIN OF HELPFULNESS”
Looking at your “chain of helpfulness” you will almost certainly be able to identify two or three people who could share information and helpfulness with you immediately. They may in fact be supporters who want to help you on your way with your professional aspirations.

Before you speak with them be sure to think through what you really need to know to move your return to work plan forward? Your contacts may be able to provide information on industry sectors; current market conditions; potential areas for opportunity; relevant training courses; current recruitment practices; the less well known ways of entry into your chosen sector as well as introduce you to other new professional contacts.

Ask to meet your initial three contacts explaining you are excited about returning to work and you value their input and particular expertise. Remember you are not asking them for a job but exploring your return to work options with others who can make a positive contribution. By adopting an open and inquisitive approach combined with effective listening you will be rewarded with some great new information plus some introductions to new contacts to add to your “chain of helpfulness”.

Always approach these meetings in a professional way. This is your personal brand on show here and how you conduct yourself in what might feel like a more informal meeting with an acquaintance is still very important. From last week’s exercise on personal brand, you will have your relevant personal statement for this meeting prepared and ready to use. Your contact will only be comfortable referring you on to his/her contacts if you look and act like a fellow professional.

Remember to also think “what can I contribute to this network?” You want to be remembered as someone who shares information and contacts and not just takes. Always send a thank you note after the meeting. Whilst email is often used your email could get lost in the deluge of emails we all receive each day. Make your communication stand out and send a personal note or card in the post with your contact details discreetly included.

HANDLING REJECTION
Developing your network will take time and there will be some rejection along the way, for example, people who say they will do something or make an introduction for you and then don’t. Or you network with others who don’t take the same professional and generous approach to networking as you do leaving you feeling a little bruised.

It is also worth pointing out that statistically we are all rejected more times than we are accepted. Yes even super successful, high fliers have had to handle plenty of rejection along the way too.

However, speaking from personal experience I’ve seen the “chain of helpfulness” work many times even in this currently tough job market where there is an oversupply of candidates chasing the advertised jobs. It does, however, take regular and consistent application – in other words commitment and focus. Do not expect your first level of contacts to have all the information and support for your return to work but be generous in your networking, open and inquisitive and look to develop new contacts as this is where your new opportunity could just be waiting.


Article written by Majella Wilkins, founder of Return2WorkMums - a new online community for women to connect with experts for support, inspiration and knowhow about returning to work and managing their ongoing working life. Return2WorkMums keeping you informed and connected for a confident return to work.