There is a direct correlation between networking and “your worth” being recognized by industry experts. Let's talk referrals for a moment. Companies pay their employees hundreds of dollars (and some pay thousands) to refer a friend to work at their company. Why do you think that is?

A couple of reasons…

1. It’s expensive to hire when you factor in the hours spent sourcing for and interviewing candidates, pre-employment testing, and the onboarding and training it takes to get a new hire up-to-speed and operating at 100%. Sooo to have a few good referrals in the candidate pool can cut down the time and risk of a bad hire.
2. A company’s own employees know the organization’s direction, values, and culture. It is likely that employees know other people who do similar work that they do, and they know who’d fit in well at the company.

You may ask, “So what does this mean for me if I am looking for a job?”

It’s not about who you know, but who knows you. Think about it like this. You know Beyonce’ the Queen Bey herself, but does Beyonce know you?

Take your job search a step further through strategic networking and make yourself known. Give people a chance to say, “hey, I know a guy” or “I've got the perfect person” and they’d be talking about… you!

Skeptical? Consider the following networking tips to get you started.

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Tip #1 – Maximize your use of social media; create a LinkedIn profile. LinkedIn is a social media platform (just like Facebook and IG) except its career-focused. Instead of “friends”, you make connections to build a professional network of people sharing career advice, posting jobs, and providing updates on employment laws. LinkedIn makes it EASY for you to send messages directly to recruiters. It's how I've hired others and how I got my position at the start-up software company. >>> I plan to elaborate more on the benefits of LinkedIn in an upcoming blog, so stay tuned!

Tip #2 – Build relationships. This was the hardest for me… I always felt like if I called someone, I was bothering them. But I quickly learned, other people want to be wanted (Well, most of the time. I mean, there is a thin line between ‘let's have coffee’ and ‘stalker’ ). Keep it professional. Avoid >> only calling when you need something. Send follow-up emails to people you meet in a professional setting and if he or she has connections in high places, stay in contact.

Tip #3 – Check out www.eventbrite.com and attend networking events near you. I've been to several - it's a good way to meet other professionals who can put in a word for you. It's also a good way to get free wine, beer, and food. Don’t just go for the drinks though!!! Spark up a conversation and learn what others do. Business cards aren’t as popular as they used to be, so don’t fret if you don’t have any.

Tip #4 – Don’t burn bridges in the first place (maybe this should have been Tip #1). It’s a small world! There is a really good chance you’ll cross paths with previous managers or co-workers OR they’ll know someone that you know. So always, ALWAYS keep a good reputation.

Have you ever referred someone for a job and they screwed you over? Don't be that person when someone refers you.

#arriveandthrive #BeUnapologeticallyThriving

Tell me about your experience in the comment section.

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