If you’re like me, you hate turning on the morning news these days because of all the doom and gloom with the economy. There’s no doubt about it. The world is a scary place right now. And for many of us, what is especially unnerving is the way the unemployment rate continues to rise.
To be truthful I had half-heartedly started looking for jobs even before the lay off. So, at the very least, I didn’t have to worry about updating my resume and coming up with a stellar cover letter at a time when I needed to mope for a day or so.
When you are at a networking groups san diego event, instead of feeling embarrassed about having someone ask things of you, switch the focus of the conversation onto the other person. Ask a question that makes the other person give a response (rather than a yes/no question). Introduce yourself to others. Ask a question to the other person or persons.
Some of the best business conversations occur when you find something out about your colleague that you never knew before. There’s a whole new dimension to that person. They become three-dimensional instead of flat. They are more than what they do for a living. They are real, live, human beings whose professional life is only one part of their existence. Try to be vulnerable and let them see a different side of you. They will see you as more than cash flow.
Get focused on referrals and introductions. This is where 98% of companies and sales people are losing money. They hardly get any of the referrals they could. Have you set a referral goal at the end of each day as to how many you will ask software defined networking for tomorrow?
People want knowledge, information and resources. It’s always better to give first and then receive. I’m not saying you shouldn’t self-promote, but if the whole time you’re on Twitter and you’re just self-promoting, people aren’t going to care and will most likely un-follow you.
Start networking. Networking is still the best way to get a job. Spread the word that you are in job search mode among your friends, family, former co-workers — anyone that you know who could help with your job search. Dig up names from internships or summer jobs and reach out to those people. Join online networking groups (LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.).
In your Voice Mail Message be sure to include your website address so thatthe caller will know clearly where to find out about your business and even buy products through the site.
Your network can be a source of business, of friendship, of support, of information, of the things you need to build your business and lead a satisfying life. Something that important shouldn’t be done scattershot. Put thought and effort into surrounding yourself with the right people, and being an important part of their networks as well.