Day 18: Networking

Today you will learn what having a network means, the types of networks, the types of people you should connect with, why weak ties are better than strong ties, and how to build a strong and thriving network even if you hate networking.

Summary

What is a Network?

A personal network is a set of human contacts known to an individual with whom that individual would expect to interact at intervals to support a given set of activities.

• This is a group of caring, dedicated people who are committed to maintain a relationship with a person in order to support a given set of activities.
• Having a strong personal network requires being connected to a network of resources for mutual development and growth.
• So personal networks can be understood by who knows you, what you know about them, what they know about you, what you are learning together, and how you work at that.
• Personal networks are intended to be mutually beneficial, extending the concept of teamwork beyond the immediate peer group.

What are the Types of Networks?

One or two main networks usually give you the most leverage during your job search and will make sense to nurture throughout your lifetime.

These include:

• Educational networks
• Professional or industry networks
• Personal networks
• Virtual networks
• Special Interest networks

Why Spend Time Networking?

Networking is going to allow you to connect to people who may be able to help you skip the application process entirely.

• The bigger your network, the higher your chances of being referred for positions that you apply for.
• It dramatically reduces the amount of time that it's going to take you to get a new job
• Allows you to tap Weak Ties who know about more opportunities and can be connected to more diverse crowd than your strong ties

Who Do You Network With?

Depending on your goal, the type of people you want to connect with will change. Our goal during this course is to get a job.

So we want to start connecting with:

• People who hold job titles that are one, two, or three levels above your own
• People with the same job title as you, ideally within your target industry
• People with job titles below yours, ideally within your target industry
• People with job titles that identify them as people with whom you would interact on as a regular basis, but who have different functions and might work in different departments.

‍How to Start Networking Online

In the activity below you will complete the follow steps:

• Identify the People You Want to Network With
• Find them Online
• Engage with Their Content
• Message Them and Ask For an Informational Interview
• Follow-up with a Thank You Note
• Nurture Your Network
• Network using the 10-5-1 Method

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Activity

Download today's worksheet and complete the exercises inside of the worksheet.

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Skill Lesson Mastered

Demonstrate mastery of the knowledge and skills presented in this lesson by applying it to the above activity. If, and only if, you have a full understanding and have mastered the knowledge and skills presented in this lesson, select the next lesson in the navigation.