Over the course of this past year I have shared quite a bit of information about networking and how to be an expert or some common networking mistakes as well as sharing examples of best practice networking by employed and unemployed job seekers. 

In future articles, I will continue to share those types of tips, but I feel that while it is important to know what networking is and what it can do for you, it is important to be aware of what networking is not.

It is always a challenge to leave your secure zone of employment, college or unemployment, if that were the case, and embark upon an entirely new career, new location and face the fear of having to meet new people. 

I have highlighted a few myths about networking in hopes that this will fuel those who might be fearful or nervous to enter the ever changing world of networking! 

Networking is not only for those job-seekers who know a lot of people and are incredibly well-connected to influential types. You may feel that your list of contacts is too small to be of any use to you, but you will be surprised by how many people you do know once you begin developing your contact list. And don’t dismay if none of your family members are CEO’s. Surprisingly, it is likely that your strongest contacts will be those you do not know well. This phenomenon is called “the strength of weak ties” and it has been studied by numerous sociologists. In their studies, they found that acquaintances are more likely than family or friends to give individuals direct information or to recommend them for opportunities.

Networking is not only for outgoing extroverts. It is natural to feel somewhat shy about approaching others for advice and you may want to begin your initial efforts with people that you know well. You may also want to find a networking style that is comfortable for you, such as writing instead of calling to schedule meetings, and asking a close contact to ease the introduction to a stranger by calling in advance to tell them of your interest.

Networking is not bothering people who are unwilling to help you. Most of us love to talk about our jobs and what we do, and we are flattered when someone asks for our advice. In fact, letting other people do a favor for you creates greater loyalty than your doing a favor for them. Further, asking them for their help can invest them in you and your future success.

Networking is not asking for a job. The purpose of networking is to gather information to assist you in planning your career and in looking for a job. It is not asking someone for a job. When you ask someone for a job, there are only two possible responses, “yes, I have a job opening” or, more likely, “no, I do not have a job opening now.” This ends your conversation with someone who could have potentially provided you with valuable information.

What is not a myth is the impact networking has on the job search you are embarking on today and future job searches throughout the remainder of your professional career.  If you look back to the best jobs you’ve had or ask a few friends how they landed the great job they have, the response is typically that they knew someone at the company, they were referred by a colleague from church, school, their child’s daycare etc… thus, using their network to build relationships that will ease and enhance their job search.

Please be sure to visit http://careerseeker.tbo.com to submit any questions you have about working in Tampa Bay, how to get started networking and other related topics! 

May Networking Events in Tampa Bay/St Petersburg Area:

May 2nd – Pinellas Professional Network (PPN) –RSVP – http://www.worknetpinellas.org

May 8th – Suncoast HR Pinellas Meeting – Radisson Hotel – RSVP http://www.suncoasthr.org

May 11th – EWomen Network - Feather Sound – RSVP http://www.ewomennetwork.com

May 16th – HR Tampa Monthly Meeting – Centre Club – RSVP http://www.hrtampa.org

May 17th – Sales & Marketing Professionals – Centre Club – RSVP http://www.smei.org

Transitioning Professionals of Tampa Bay – RSVP http://www.TBTampabay.net

Bay Area Manufacturing Association (BAMA) – RSVP http://www.bama-fl.org