eNetworking & Using LinkedIn

Tools and techniques designed to support your efforts in electronic networking & LinkedIn

What is eNetworking?

eNetworking is the process of building a web of contacts that will enhance your professional life.

– Networking allows for the mutually beneficial sharing of information, news, and contacts between professional connections.

– Networking is not only for those in career transition! It is a valuable resource in a professional’s daily life to identifying new potential clients, employees, and sources of information.

– Networking is a habit that must be started, and practiced regularly!

What makes eNetworking different is that it is powered by the Web

eNetworking: fact or fiction?

I have to be an internet guru to eNetwork.– Fiction!

I’m eNetworking when I post “I’m for hire” on my facebook page.– Fiction! Mostly…

eNetworking is all I have to do to get a job.– Fiction! – It’s only one part

If I have to use the internet to network, these are contacts that I don’t want!

– Fiction! I’m not in a technical industry. My contacts wouldn’t be on

eNetworking sites.– Fiction!

eNetworking is all about using the internet in efficient ways to build your professional network.

– Fact!

Why is eNetworking important during a career transition?

Studies have found that younger generations are much more likely to utilize technology to network for jobs. Remember that less than 50% of jobs are posted on traditional job boards. If you choose not to include eNetworking in your overall job search strategy, that means that you will run the risk of losing out on opportunities to people who are less qualified than you simply because you are not making yourself available in all venues.

Why should I use eNetworking to support my job search?

Great for people who are nervous to pick the phone and Network, eNetworking gives them an opportunity to make a “no fear” approach through email/IM, etc.

eNetworking gives you the opportunity to craft strong introductory and follow up communications that can be used for multiple contacts, thereby giving you the power to multiply your networking efforts exponentially!

eNetworking gives you the opportunity to demonstrate to a potential employer that you are a creative thinker who is open to learning new technology.

eNetworking can happen anytime-the Internet never closes!

Creating a LinkedIn Profile

Who are you – Tag Lines and Summary Experience Education Additional Info

– Web - Groups– Interests - Honors

Personal Info Contact Settings Add-ons

– Recommendations - Applications– LinkedIn Groups and Associations - Q&A’s

Ten Tips To Create A Great Profile

Don’t cut and paste

Marketing Personal Tag Line Elevator Pitch BRAG about your

skills

Experience Highlights

Set yourself apart Ask and Answer Recommendations Connect

Now I have a profileWhat’s Next?

Step one:If you have not already created a target company list (25-50

companies) that you would like to work for, do so now! Step two:Identify contacts that you have not been able to connect with through

traditional means.Step three:Identify any professional associations that might be of interest to you.

Not sure if any exist for your field? Seek and ye shall find!Step four:Get a cup of coffee, put on some good music, and sit down at your

computer…get ready to investigate!

Step one: The companies

You can use many of the same sites to investigate companies on your list or others where you have seen posting:

www.linkedin.comwww.zoominfo.comwww.spoke.comwww.hoovers.comwww.tweetmyjobs.com Once you begin to investigate whether these companies have

company profiles (such as on LinkedIn), you can further define your targeted contacts within these organizations. Often, you can find decision makers outside of HR listed through many of these sites so that you can target these individuals in lieu of the overworked recruiters!

Step two: The contacts

For that first group of contacts that you have not been able to connect with, start by researching specific contact names using the search function

Once you find them, you can invite them to join your network– Colleague – you worked together– Groups – belong to the same groups– You know them (must have their email address)

What if I don’t know them– Get an introduction– Participate in one of their groups

Stay Organized – “Tag” your contacts

Step two: The contacts

Contacts that you have not been able to connect with may be on another site

www.plaxo.comwww.zoominfo.comwww.spoke.comwww.google.comwww.facebook.comwww.myspace.comwww.twitter.comOnce you identify where your contacts have their profiles posted on

sites such as these, you can either email them through the site, or use the contact info listed in their site to reach out.

Sample emails: Which would you select?

Hi Bob,I have been spending some time recently researching companies within the widget industry. I am

looking to network with a few subject matter experts so that I could learn a bit more about the industry. I came across your profile here on the LinkedIn site and it would seem that you certainly fit the bill of being an SME!

I am considering a career change. As part of my decision making process, I am trying to talk to

tenured professionals within the widget industry so that I can be certain that I am making the right decision for me and my family. Would you mind if I emailed you a couple of questions that would help me further my understanding? If it is easier for you to chat via phone, that works for me as well. I do not anticipate taking more than 10-15 minutes of your time. Please let me know what works best for you!

Thanks in advance,Sue Smith

Dear Mr. Jones:The purpose for my email is to learn more about XYZ company. I am currently seeking employment

within the widget industry. If you have time, I would like to email you a small number of questions. Please let me know if this is a possibility.

Thank you,Sue Smith

Step three: The associations

Use any of the typical search engines to investigate these sites.

Don’t limit yourself to professional organizations. Think alumni groups, civic organizations, and community organizations as well. It seems that everyone has a website these days!

Once you have identified organizations that you want to be a part of, reach out!

Send an email, follow the links to join-get involved! Another great idea is to ask for a mentor from within

the organization-someone with tenure.

Step Four: CoffeeWhere do I go from here?

At this point, you should have a good list of contacts that you want to eNetwork with.

Now you should consider how to approach them! Think about a “business casual” attitude when

approaching Netiquette. While you never want to be unprofessional or too personal, you also do not want to come off as a “stuffed shirt” in your electronic communications! Remember-no one can see your smile when you type!

I have my resume posted on the job boards. Is that enough?

Not in the information age! You should also have a bio posted on all of the sites where it makes sense to be seen.

Did you know that many recruiters will search for you on the internet before they even pick up the phone to call you? Google yourself! Would you call you?

Can I just copy and paste my resume? – You could certainly do that, but remember to think a little more

dynamically when it comes to an online bio-make it a little more exciting! Get others involved where appropriate by asking them to recommend you, join your network, and suggest applications for your eNetworking sites!

Do I need to be on the computer every single day?

We never recommend that you make looking for a job a full time job!! However, you need to have a comprehensive job search strategy with all forms of networking accounted for on a weekly basis.

A great rule of thumb is if you are spending 20 hours a week looking for a job, at least 10-12 of those should be spent on networking in all of it’s forms.

It is a good idea to develop a “contact chain” using a program like Excel when it comes to both your in person and electronic networking contacts. This contact chain will help you keep track of who you connected with, when you connected, what the results were of that interchange, and what your next steps are.

What else do I need to think about?

Google yourself! Know what your online presence says about you.

Don’t be afraid!!! Yes, it can be said that our kids, grandkids, nieces, and nephews can probably run rings around all of us on many of these sites…but don’t let that stop you!

Do not assume that this is an all encompassing list. Every day a new site is popping up giving people the opportunity to research, network, and “tweet”. Be open to other sites as well.

Have fun!

And Your Off and Running

Questions?

Thank you!

www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlene (slides available here)www.kimberlene.wordpress.com

Kimberlene.Huff@gmail.com469.387.5483

Presented by Kim Huff, SPHR

Help Wanted Job Group, FUMC-Rowlett, Texas