Networking Skills : An essential soft skill tool ?

In this age of recession and pink slip parties, besides technical/ subject knowledge competency, one has to be an expert, rather polished in soft skills too; an important such soft skill is good networking skills & building effective PR contacts.

I have a technical background too and felt the need to groom myself, to enhance my career growth. I joined the local library and spent some time reading books on this subject...they definitely helped but the old adage is very true " Practise makes one perfect". I actually tried the skills I read, I tried them and they worked !

Shared with you in this blog post are some of my learnings :

You are an all-powerful networker. Business cards rain down from the heavens. Job offers flood your inbox. You have to keep your cell phone on silent because it is constantly ringing. People trample each other to get on your schedule for lunch or coffee. But when you are at a $500-plate dinner, you never have time for anyone… because you can’t get out of that boring conversation with that guy you met an hour and a half ago. Snap out of it!

A graceful and polite exit strategy is a very real problem for the networker.

One of the hardest things to do when working a room is to leave a conversation without offending a contact. However, in order to be an effective networker, you must master this skill. If you don’t, you will find yourself going nowhere, literally…

That was a joke, did you get it?

One of the major things that you should take into consideration when ending a dialog is how important the contact is to you. Leaving a discussion with a hiring manager or your boss is not nearly the same as leaving a conversation with a colleague.

Keep that in mind as you memorize, uh, read these tips – ordered from good to best :

· DON’T use your body language to end a conversation. This includes tapping your foot, checking your watch, scanning the room. If I am at a networking event and I see my contact doing this, I immediately (but politely) end the conversation and forget you. Whether your behavior is intentional or not, this says, “I am bored with you.

· DON’T depart an exchange by using the excuse that you have to go to the bathroom or get more food. While this is easy to do, your reasons may be interpreted as: “My bodily needs are more important than this conversation.”

· DO use a closer and a handshake: “It has been a pleasure meeting you,” or “I am going to go mingle,” or “Oh my, a friend has just walked in and I need to go greet them.” Honesty is the best policy here because the truth sounds the most sincere.

· Do invite a previous contact into the conversation and properly introduce them.

. Do a Summation Closer; i.e. summarize what you have talked about a future action and then use a closer hand shake. An example: “Jerry, I look forward to getting in touch with you next week about the ABC position. Its been a pleasure meeting you”.

Another example being “ Jason I think what we should do is get in touch next week via email to discuss specifics and a time we can meet for coffee. Its been nice chatting with you. I am going to go on and see if I can find some more prospects”.

Conclusions : Well, that’s it from me. If you have any other techniques that work, well, post them. If its good, I will add it to the article and give you credit.

Let me know how these work for you, your comments are motivating. If you would like to support me keep writing on such topics, simply comment on here or refer my blog- article to a friend, it helps them. You wouldn’t believe how many more people read such information when one or two people endorse the work and I like helping as many people as I possibly can !

Dr. Shruti Bhat

Latest un-employment rates in US released-

Here is an important excert from my reading-

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released the latest (August) unemployment figures through its monthly “Regional and Monthly Employment and Unemployment Summary” Report this morning showing minor change in the economy.

Here’s a quick summary:

According to the report, 27 states’ rates had increased, 16 states decreased, and 7 states had no change. The national unemployment rate went from 9.4 to 9.7%. The Western region (10.6%) and the Midwestern region (10%) of the U.S. have the highest unemployment rates, while the Northeast (9%) was the lowest.

Michigan (15.2%), Nevada (13.2%), Rhode Island (12.8%), California (12.2%), and Ohio (12.2%) are still leading the pack in unemployment rates, while the Dakotas and Nebraska are holding strong at 5% and under employment.

Over the year thus far, 45 states reported statistically significant decreases in employment, the largest job losses occurring in California (-741,000).

To view the complete report go to The U.S. Bureau of Labor Stats Website.

Dr.Shruti Bhat at http://www.drshrutibhat.com

Ten commandments to making your mark in consulting business :

Hello, wanted to share my thoughts and experiences gained during the start-up phase for INNOWORKS my Pharma consulting company. My 10 golden rules already paved the way to taste success in just 5 months !

TEN COMMANDMENTS

1. Keep Patience and Positive Attitude.

Put up in a place where its easy to see, the cryptic admonishment TTT

When you feel how depressingly slow you climb, its good to remembers good Things Take Time.

2.In which industries do I have the most experience? as companies tend to engage people with similar industry experience.

3.Which other industries could profit from my experience? Start from the answer in #1 above and then continue expanding the industry category.

For example, a chocolate bar making firm may expand to chocolate cookies which may expand to dessert food products which may expand to packed do-it-yourself-meal products !

4. What size company would best fit my experience and cultural desires? Some people function better in small companies, while others prefer large organizations.

A balance between Cultural fit Vs Capability fit is most desired for a successful business venture.

5. What is the title/position in my target companies that would be the buyer or the decision-maker for the services?

6. Which industries and/or companies do I have influential contacts? This is directed toward network, contacts and “champions” for the cause and may be different from my industry experience.

7. Would public, private, non-profit or government be my best target client ? Public and private companies, for the most part, are interchangeable as the target, if that is where the experience lies.

8. Would my experience be best suited in manufacturing, sales, marketing, engineering or research driven companies?

9. How far are am I willing to travel or commute for an interim or consulting engagement? What type of transportation/ accomodation is required or available?

10. Have an Optimistic and Professional approach during every deal -

If the End isn't Good, the Story isn't over YET !

Dr.Shruti Bhat at http://www.drshrutibhat.com