Newsletter Goes Networking

Recently, I attended a cocktail event for this newsletter report, put on by Networking + Plus , a local networking group for Montreal’s West Island small businesses, at a local bar called the Firm.

I decided to go because my friends told me I should attend. They had attended the same event last year and had a lot of success.

I am glad I followed their advice because by attending I talked with more than 40 people and I came out with two solid leads that should give me work for a while.

I also started good relationships with five individuals I never would have met.

More, I personally experienced networking allowing me to do this report about it in this newsletter.

Networking is a process of interacting with people who may share similar interests with you. Some people love to network and can work the room almost effortlessly, while others find it really hard. This is especially more harder when looking for some work.

Dr. Ivan Misner, founder of networking group BNI (Business Networking International) promotes the "givers gain” philosophy. Meaning the more you help others the more they will likely help you.

Experts who research such things have found at least three key benefits provided by networking:

• More people find jobs through personal contact than by any other means.
• Individuals who garnered and developed rich social networks tend to be paid more and promoted quicker. This is especially true when the networking is started at younger ages like when still in school for example.
• Individuals who are adept in social networking and can position themselves in the upper circles in various organizations tend to have better chances, exert more influence in society and get better positions.

Employers through networking than those that are advertised fill more unannounced positions. This means there really is a "hidden market" out there for those that network.

In fact, the Technical Communication 4U Bulletin Newsletter found out, that 80% of positions are filled that way. Candidates fill them through referrals and recommendations and direct approaches.

A myth that seems to linger on in much of society is that if you work hard with your nose to the grindstone you will be generously rewarded by your employer. You will get more money and promoted in the firm etc.

Most believe in merit. They feel that the most able and hard working should be rewarded the maximum, and are uncomfortable with the idea of gaining benefits because of whom they know.

The reality is relationships made through networking are the way to more money and promotions.

Networking allows all practitioners to get that introduction, warm referral, and opens the door. It also helps build up your expertise and the support system you need to grow such as mentors, master mind groups etc.

Because networking is built on relationships they need constant nurturing allowing growth based on trust and credibility.

Family, friends, neighbors, people you work with or have worked with, industry colleagues, group members such as your business, profession or trade etc., are your network or potential network.

Talk to everyone and develop a broad list of contacts.

People that you have developed a relationship with, tend to help you get valuable leads, offer you advise and information, and introduce you to others that can get you work.

The Technical-Communication-4U Bulletin-Newsletter intends to provide you our readers, with more on topics of interest to you in future issues.

Topics such as networking, getting work, new technological developments affecting technical communicators in software and hardware etc.

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Words of Wisdom

Demosthenes (384 BC - 322 BC)

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