(Photo credit @brookecagle)
Work to build a network of contacts that are diverse in background, location, industry, and more. The wider and more diverse your network, the wider net you can cast in finding a new job.
Studies show that many jobs and other opportunities come from ‘weak ties’ versus from direct connections. We all turn to those we trust in our social network (family, friends, and colleagues) for job help -- but we need to remember that weak ties are valuable too (acquaintances, or new people who share an affinity like a cultural or alumni background).
How to diversify your network? Join new groups on LinkedIn, try out LunchClub, and ask your friends/colleagues for introductions to new & interesting people.
Tech networking tip for students: try to work together with classmates to do small-group networking
MBA students hate when I give them this tip (as they have heard 1:1 is the ‘best’ engagement), but tech alumni *love* it.
(1) it recognizes that tech people appreciate efficiency & that you are saving them time & repetition
(2) it highlights that there are multiple people who could benefit from a contact’s insights & advice, which is a nice confidence boost for them
Action: Send an email to a contact and mention that you have 3-4 other friends who would also love to hear from the contact about x topic, and that you will do all the work to coordinate the call. Make sure to set expectations with your friends that you’ll serve as point person for questions during the call (and that you can all rotate that role on other calls). Ensure that it's clear how to follow-up (so that thank-yous or future networking can happen).
Let me know if you try this one, and how it goes!
