A Simple “Hello” Will Do

I was talking to a friend recently who is a VP of human resources. We work out at the same health club and commented on how shocking it is when people with whom you establish eye contact – and to whom you might even say “hello” (because you’ve seen them every other day at 6:00am for 5 years) can’t bring themselves to smile, much less say “hello.” She mentioned the name of someone I know who behaves this way and I know this person is out of work. Now wouldn’t you think someone in job search mode would be completely gracious, respectful and outgoing as often as possible? You never know when you are encountering someone who might be in a position to help you professionally. You simply can’t afford to judge people based on appearances, especially when you are not in a professional or business setting; that means at Learn more...

Relationship Management – Elements of a Relationship

After getting that business card at the conference, but before sending the e-mail or placing the phone call to invite the person to lunch or coffee, you assess, sometimes unconsciously, what it is you want from this relationship – what’s the motive? After some form of on-going contact you assess other dynamics between you to know whether this relationship is productive, enjoyable and something you want to invest in. Here are the elements that will determine if this person becomes part of your network or just a passing acquaintance. ● Motive –What you both want out of this relationship is often expressed explicitly; e.g., “I would like to learn more about your industry/company as I am contemplating a job move.” You might not know what either of you wants initially or you have an implicit, unexpressed reason for wanting to know one another, but over time a motive – good, Learn more...

Relationship Management

Before you can network, you have to have formed a relationship of some sort with the person in question. According to “The 29% Solution” by Misner asserts that only 29% of the population is connected by 6 degrees of separation. Given that surprisingly low number you have to be out there actively forging professional associations and friendships to form your network before you can work that network effectively. Whether you are forming a friendship or working agreement with someone, there is usually a natural chemistry that draws two people together. Learn from personal relationships with spouses and close friends; understand what you find attractive in another person. Seek out those who aren’t like you, but complement your personality, strengths and weaknesses. Trust your instincts but don’t be too quick to judge. Try this – when you are in at a conference or reception, try approaching the person you find least Learn more...

Addressing Sterotypes

Great blog on networking for Asians that has relevance for all of us. http://jeknetwork.typepad.com/networking/2010/02/yang-liu-and-wsj.html#tpe-action-posted-6a00e554e88723883301310f2f830c970c