Today's economy requires stepped-up networking
In tough economic times, networking should be on the top of your list of strategies, whether you want to get a new job or keep the position you have, says author and speaker Diane Darling, president of Effective Networking in Boston.
"Networking is building relationships before you need them," Darling says, adding that everyone needs to shore up those connections when the economy is struggling.
The practice of networking entails much more than schmoozing at office parties or complimenting the boss, she notes. It is understanding that business is conducted through the relationships we create and cultivate.
One tip - don't use e-mail to communicate, except as a means to set up meetings or to give directions. Darling says using e-mail is not a good way to build personal relationships or to handle negotiations.
According to a UCLA study, she says 55 percent of the way we communicate is done through body language, 38 percent through voice and tone, and 7 percent through our words. E-mail can often be misconstrued, creating impressions that you don't want to give, she says.
Watch the people who are succeeding in your organization and learn from the behaviors that are creating success for them.
"If you're concerned about keeping your job, one thing that's incredibly important is to be really clear about how you're contributing to the company and communicate up," Darling says. "Take anything out of the way that makes people hesitate to work with you. Are you nice to the receptionist? Are you a team player? Do you work on recognizing others? Walking down the hall as a manager and talking to people is networking."
Part of strengthening relationships with superiors is showing your ability to anticipate problems and solve them, emphasizing your value to the company. Darling says it's especially important to let bosses know this during lean economic times.
"People can't read your mind," she says. "If there's a problem, they want to know about it so that resources can be allocated, if needed. In your departments and in your teams, get together to figure problems out, and let people know that you're a problem solver."
To maintain good networking relationships, she suggests creating a list of everyone who has ever helped you in your career and think about when you were last in touch with them.
"Check in, let them know how you are," Darling says. "Ask how they're doing. Check in before you need them. People forget that others really cared about them and helped them get into their positions."