Yes, there are many people out in the ‘Job Searching’ arena today asking..What is Business Networking? You would think they would know what business networking is all about, but having attended a few gatherings over the past couple of years calling themselves Business Networking gatherings I can see why many are still asking this question.
Business Networking is a marketing method by which business opportunities are created through networks of like-minded business people.
There are a lot of people out using Business Networking functions to look for work. However, there are a lot of people using Business Networking..as well as any other gathering of humans..as a place to be ‘seen’. What is up with that? These are the people who are going overboard with the ‘Social Networking’. Sometimes there is no business they are representing or looking for..just there for the drinks and to be seen..yaw…unreal! That behavior really does cloud the efforts of others who are using the gathering to make business connections. Connecting with someone who is at the function looking for ‘Mr Right’ reeks of ‘loser’..but they are there, so they have to be dealt with.
Business Cards Still Rule
As ‘non-digital’ as they are, business cards today have become a document like a passport or a resume. Without one you are forgotten. A business cards shows a number of things about the person. The design of the BC also tells a lot about the business you are in or are looking for. I have been to functions where the lights were turned down so low you could not see what was on the business card..but I could still tell from the feel and shape of the card if they person took themselves seriously or not. Getting a business card made out of near tissue weight paper sends a message that is different than the professional who hands you a card that will stand up to rough treatment. The card with the unusual shape also generates a memory of the person or the business.
Naturally, what is printed on the card matters. Vitals is all you need. Too many job hunters attempt to have their resume printed on the card which can be done tactfully, but on the most part really hems a person in with a limited amount of information provided.
The biggest mistake business networkers make is to not have Business Cards. Sends out a very, very bad message.
Say? What?
Choosing the right gathering to attend also is important. Business Networking functions offering meaningless programs or spending its entire timeframe with worthless introductions really are not of value. Naturally, if the program is a learning experience, workshop or a seminar, then that is another matter. These type of gatherings usually draw in the types of people who know the importance of business networking. Still, I am starting to see the ‘here to be seen’ people starting to roll in.
Business networking plays a huge part in the way jobs are found today. Just make sure you are prepared to deal with the ‘beautiful people’ when you attend a function. Let me know how I can help.