networking

[TranquilSkye]

so all this talk about using qlc to network better and the qlc conference got me thinking. what exactly is networking and how is it beneficial? my very basic understanding of it is that you just meet people and talk about work/school. but how is that really helpful? do people really just hand out jobs or offer to be references to people they just met simply because they have similar goals/interests? i've never seen that happen, has anyone? i talk to tons of working professionals about their jobs/education, but that's all it is talk. i think i'm missing the network part. and how is it helpful to network with people from other states/countries? unless you plan on moving i don't think that's too beneficial. anyone have any thoughts on this?

[TankgirlyC]

The more people who know you and have your contact information the better off you are.

I network constantly, since I was about 17. I knew I was going to need people when I graduated college. So I would go to places to network.

You can hand out business cards (even if you dont work, get a box of 50 they are pretty cheap at Staples)

Hand them out. Tell people what you are looking for, or ask them what they are looking for. You might be able to help THEM....and they might return the favor.

As for people from diff states/countries.....they might know someone.....and they hear oh so and so in CA is hiring. And they think of you.....you get a call----

Last time I networked was at my HS reunion. I went in with cards...and handed out every single one I brought. I helped one girl who started an online baby clothing business by handing out her cards in my office....another guy sent me his resume which I passed onto a person here that could help him.....and yet another contacted me to learn more about my business because he wants to purcahse a house.

I have their cards, and if i need something like advice on career, or if I lose my job Ill E mail and ask if they know anyone....

Hope this helps?!

[TranquilSkye]

hmmm business cards. that's a good idea. i'm going to look into that. hopefully that'll get me networking and not just chatting. thanks!

[TankgirlyC]

Not a problem.

I know you can get small boxes of 50 - 100 at Staples. Just look online with places like Kinko's, Staples etc.

You dont need a hefty stock. Just something that feels like a business card without the major cost!

Plus it gets people to put you into their indexes =)

Good luck! Let me know if you need any more help.

[diesel]

go to vistaprint.com

they will do up to a certain number for free. they have some nice designs and seem reasonably priced. i had to get some printed in the fall and only had to pay shipping and handling...it was like $4 for 250 cards.

[TranquilSkye]

hey thanks for that link diesel! that site is dirt cheap and there's so many options! i'm going to tell the world :D

[dietzy]

I practically do tell the world about Vistaprint...and that is what they are counting on..the word of mouth advertising. If you want any additional networking tips, let me know. I network constantly and have recently given over 20 hour-long presentations on the topic of networking!

[kimmer23]

at first when i saw the posts about networking i thought that it didnt really pertain to me or that if i tried it that it wouldnt work, but then i realized i really do network A LOT. my husband wound up talking to the guy that mowes our lawn and his dad may have a few rental properties for sale that we could buy. also my hair stylist has a few properties and gave me a few peoples' numbers that could do handy work for me. i also gave my hair stylist a few numbers of people that he could use. i am constantly meeting people this way and really did not realize it.

[pisces2473]

Sometimes you can help OTHER people network--one of my best friends is getting her MPH at Tufts. While I was in the ER with my BF on Thursday, I ran into a girl we went to HS with--she's getting her MPH at a school in New Haven. The two of them lost touch after HS but played sports together, etc. I said to the girl in the ER, I'll give K (my friend) your number, you guys should talk.

I'm the middle lady, I guess.

[kimmer23]

that true pisces. my hair stylist helped me and i helped him. i didnt realize how much we do network.

the only thing i hate though when you recomend someone to use a service and they dont like the service. i have a few friends that are real picky!

[dietzy]

I get asked a lot about what to put on business cards especially since I am a big advocate that it is a good idea to have them.

I think there is no right or wrong as to what you put on the card. Obviously your name, number, and email address. Make sure the email address is a professional sounding one though and not hothoochiemama69@hotmail.com A website is appropriate if it is professional as well.

Some people will put a general field that they work in or interested in under their name like "Gardener", "Web Design Specialist" or "Student". Others will just not put anything which is fine too.

Hope this helps!

Scott