If you are of the opinion that “Google” and “Apple” are one of the best corporations in the world, what do you think is the most important key to their success?
The answer is simple “PEOPLE”. We need to educate and tell ourselves repeatedly that people always come first, all other things are secondary.
The day you understand the fact that people are the most valuable resource in the world and start giving value to them, I am 100% sure that you will open massive doors of opportunities for yourself.
In today’s job market, the referral has become a major key to get a job and I am quite sure that you would agree with me on that. On one hand, you would find some young graduates with amazing grades but jobless and on the other hand, you would find graduates who didn’t really excel in their academics, however, they strategically and smartly hunted the job market and grabbed the opportunity. I can tell you that 90% of the second group of people “networked” with right people at the right time. They didn’t follow the traditional methods (job websites, newspapers) all the time to find a job.
According to CareerXRoads Sources of Hire Report, 2011, nearly 65 percent of job openings are filled through internal movement and referrals
Today, I will share my best strategies and tricks with all of you on how to powerfully connect and network with people.
TREAT THE PERSON YOU ARE TALKING TO AS IF HE OR SHE IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PERSON IN THE WORLD!
If you really want to connect with someone, look piercingly in their eyes. It is very important to be completely present while having a conversation with anyone. The reality is that we all want to feel important and when you give your full attention and focus to someone, you are most likely making an everlasting impression on them.
My biggest encouragement to you guys would be to make other people feel really special and when you do that, you get their complete focus as well and it becomes way easier to communicate and connect. This is game-changing especially when you are out there hunting for opportunities.
BE YOURSELF! BE AUTHENTIC!
I personally believe that it is so important yet difficult to be completely “YOURSELF” because all the time we are being influenced and affected by the people around us either in a positive way or a negative way.
From my personal experience, I have interviewed about 5 people in the last 1 week. When I look forward to hiring someone for my business, I am always looking for people who give more importance to growth and fulfillment over money. For me, their drive, openness, and motivation are more important than their skill and knowledge. Out of the 5 candidates I interviewed, 3 of them were just making up the stuff with some fake and unwilling smiles. I could sense nervousness. Authenticity was missing. Result? They were not hired. Now maybe they were really skillful and knowledgeable but for me “Authenticity and Passion” is right at the top.
You need to be authentic and if you are not, guess what?? Most of the employers will sense it.
It is very liberating to communicate openly and freely. So many people fake in the interviews thinking they will get the opportunity and I am not saying that people don’t but then “faking and making it up” becomes your character and finally the day comes when you are caught and feel devastated.
DON’T SPEAK FROM THE POINT OF “LACK”. SPEAK ABOUT WHAT YOU CAN OFFER
This is a golden nugget and it took me a while to get a hang of it. When you speak to a potential employer, tell them what you can offer them rather than asking them to offer you a particular role. This is really crucial if you are a fresh graduate with no or minimal experience. Speak from the point of “Value” not “Lack”. Bluntly speaking don’t behave and act as if you are homeless and you want something.
Now when you tell them what value you can offer them, it has to go hand in hands with a high level of confidence and surety. Make sure you are authentic and you don’t over commit. If you think that you don’t have much to offer to the other person, find out and tell them what you would love to learn.
HIGH ENERGY DRAWS PEOPLE
We want to be around people who are happy and have high energy! Isn’t it??
If you are pumped and full of energy, people will attract to you automatically. If you have the charisma and confidence, people would love your company and I can bet you that employers always look for people who have a shining personality.
Have you ever wondered why some people get a job or any related opportunity so quickly???
Next time pay attention; maybe they are charismatic, positive and smile most of the times.
Now, you might be wondering that how can you be charismatic and full of energy all the time?
It is all about practice, commitment, and dedication. I am not saying that you have to fake but if you can train your mind really well, it is definitely possible.
I have had been using some strategies for the last 6 months to stay charged and high energy and I have literally seen a big change. I honestly accept that sometimes my low emotions start ruling me but I am getting better with every passing day.
Alright let me share my strategies with you
–> I took some bold decisions and little risk and I have started doing things that I completely love. I love living life on my own terms and I have dedicated a lot to my business and I am getting results now.
–> Being in the proximity and circle of people who are happy, high energy and fulfilled.
–> I instantly change my focus from something bad or negative I am thinking about to something exciting and good.
–> I workout pretty much every day
In a nutshell, I believe that there is no shortage of jobs or opportunities out there, but what we need is a competitive advantage. You need to go an extra mile to be outstanding.
The networking strategies I have shared with you will absolutely provide you a competitive edge over others and will help you to powerfully network with anyone and anywhere.
My story: One of my top strength is communication and it has helped me to grab some of the best opportunities so far. I have had been using my communication skills and above mentioned strategies to network with people and it has definitely helped me to be around and make friends with some of the top-notch entrepreneurs in Australia.
If you are not sure where to go and network, please look at the list below. What I am giving you now are one of the best avenues to make genuine and authentic professional and friendly relationships with people.
–>http://www.meetup.com is an amazing website to connect with like-minded people and communities. Great avenue to make friends and perfect opportunity to network.
–>Professional Development Courses and Seminars: PD courses can be life changing and without a single doubt a great place to make connections and networks.You have the potential to grow manifolds in these seminars.
–>Network Marketing events: Well, you may not be a very big fan of network marketing companies but the reality is that it is just an amazing avenue to meet people from different professional backgrounds.
A HUGE NUMBER OF JOBS THAT ARE FILLED ARE NEVER ADVERTISED TO THE PUBLIC, OR IF THEY ARE, THEY’RE FILLED BY PEOPLE WHO HAVE A CONNECTION TO THE EMPLOYER.”
Melanie Pinola, LinkedIn In 30 Minutes: How to create a rock-solid LinkedIn profile and build connections that matter
References:
http://www.nasrecruitment.com/uploads/files/employee-referrals-trends-in-engagement-63.pdf