I’m always surprised that people are eager to ask each other where they got a good deal on dining, or a haircut, or even the name of a building contractor, but these same people are somewhat reluctant to talk to each other about job networking. This is called the art of “career schmoozing.” The American Heritage Dictionary defines the word “schmooze” as: “to converse casually in order to gain an advantage.” I can think of no better way to find out about employment opportunities and gain an advantage than by schmoozing your personal and professional network.
Too many people rely on their networking circle only when they are in troubled circumstances, such as having been laid off, facing downsizing or fearing for the stability of their employer. You always need to maintain your network—consistently and carefully. Your networking circle is huge. It encompasses people at all levels of lead generation: family, friends, colleagues, customers, schoolmates and many more. It’s a little bit like the trivia game that has come to be known as “Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon” which is based on the small-world phenomena that any actor can be linked through their film roles to the actor Kevin Bacon. This means that given the time and resources, you too can probably link yourself within six people to a desired company or job opportunity.
To be an effective schmoozer, you need to keep your contact list updated with new e-mails, phone numbers and career contacts. Keep track of people who can connect you to decision makers in your chosen industry. Maintain a file of your BlackBerry or cell phone contacts that indicates the nature of your relationship to the individual. Periodically touch base via an e-mail, note, call, meeting or meal. Take note of life events such as birthdates, anniversaries, children’s names, hobbies or other idiosyncrasies and whenever possible, integrate personal information into professional dialogs.
In this season of holiday partying, schmoozing effectively can also broaden your circle, so don’t be a timid wallflower. Mingle with the crowd, learn names and offer a friendly smile. When you go to trade shows, industry events or job fairs, be a serious player. Don’t be one of those literature collectors who’d rather pick up a brochure than extend a hand. Be sure to write a short note on the back of a business card that references whatever you discussed when you offer it at the end of a conversation.
Beyond traditional networking of the face-to-face variety, social networking sites such as LinkedIn offer people the chance to connect to others online. I read one business blog by Guy Kawasaki in which he reported that “people with more than 20 connections are 34 times more likely to be approached with a job opportunity than people with less than five.” I’m not sure of the mathematical accuracy of this statement, but it really is a numbers game and you always want the odds in your favor.
Robert Graber, the founder of WallStJobs.com, advises, “The time to strengthen your networking is before you need it. Don’t wait for the axe to fall before you make relationship-building a priority. All business professionals recognize the symbiotic nature of networking, but it is just human nature to respond more positively to individuals who we regard as being genuinely involved and interested in our professional lives.” So there you have it: Don’t be caught snoozing when you should be schmoozing.
Nancy Schuman is a vice president at Lloyd Staffing, headquartered in Melville, and is the author of eight how-to books on career guidance and job-search techniques. Lloyd Staffing offers temporary, contract and full-time employment services on a regional and national basis. Send your career-related questions to [email protected].