Networking Story

Yesterday I was at Kinko’s making some copies and I overheard a ‘classic’ networking conversation (yes, overheard…it unfolded right next to me and the only way out of hearing it would have been to have my iPod on). My point with blogging on this is to share the beauty of networking in hopes that if you have a negative mindset around it (i.e.; the word brings you a vision of a bunch of pushy people at a meeting trying to sell you something) you might be able to take on a new mindset around how easy and important it is for your life.

Here we go…

Setting the Stage:

Robin (me) at copier: Making copies

Older Man (middle age): Standing next to Robin at a photo machine

Younger Man: Standing behind Robin at some other machine

Here’s how things unfolded.

The Older Man was having a bit of trouble and was working with the Kinko’s service person. Apparently his photos were of a fire station (or something around that) and he and the service person were discussing them. He mentioned he was with xyz fire station. The Younger Man overheard this (obviously – being so close he couldn’t miss it either).

When the service person finished up with the Older Man, the Younger Man stepped over to him and said “I overheard you are with xyz fire station”. “Yes, I am” the Older Man said. The Younger Man then mentioned that he was working towards getting into fire fighting and a conversation began. He asked the Older Man if he knew so-and-so, and he did – and the conversation just continued from there. The Older Man asked if he (the younger man) was going to get certified in CPR, and the Younger Man said he was planning on doing whatever it takes. They spoke for several minutes and it ended with the two of them shaking hands and the Older Man giving out the name of a person for the Younger Man to contact and saying “let him know I referred you.” (Have I ever mentioned that 80% of jobs are located via networking?)

At that point I smiled and said to myself…”and that’s the way it happens!” That is ‘classic’ networking – you overhear an interest, you introduce yourself, you engage in conversation and the rest is history.

Now the next thing for the Younger Man to do would be to go on LinkedIn and see if he can find the Older Man listed – if so, he should send him an invite to join his network, therefore gaining a new contact on a permanent basis.

And that’s the story. So, for those of you out there who may have the notion of ‘slimy’ connected with networking – reframe it, get a new perspective or do whatever you need to do to take on a new networking mindset and approach it in a positive way that will benefit your life – because it will.

Posted by Robin Ogden – FiredUP Careers

Visit us and get your FREE report! (plus read loads of great career articles in our site ‘resource’ section)

Welcome Heather Gardner

We’d like to take a minute here to give a warm “welcome” to recruiting expert, Heather Gardner, who is our new featured expert for the FiredUP Careers ‘Recruiter’s Corner‘.  Heather is a well known recruiter who will share her wisdom and insight  with job seekers and others who frequent our website.  Be sure to bookmark her link – visit now and read some of her advice in ‘Working with a Recruiter 101′.  You can also visit Heather on her own entertaining blog as well.

Welcome Heather!  We’re glad you’ve joined us.

Robin Ogden