Networking: Focus On Warm Contacts, Not The "Right Contacts"

"Focus on networking with your warm contacts first" - hardly rocket science is it?!

Yet so many people (particularly job seekers and career changers), seem to think that networking is all about spending time with the "the right contacts" (whatever that means) and connecting with "key players" (terrible buzz word).

This 'Person X' is the holy grail apparently. And whilst this sounds logical and sensible in theory, in the real world it's completely the wrong approach if you want get connected to the right people and opportunities.

Here are 5 reasons why you should focus on networking with your warm contacts rather than "the right contacts" (Person X)

1. Person X is less likely to agree to meet/speak with you straight away if you haven't a warm relationship.

They're busy and so they will focus their time with their warm contacts first - not you. Whereas your warm contacts (colleagues, ex-colleagues, friends, family) are much more likely to agree to meet with you - and in turn possibly introduce you to Person X or an equivalent contact.

2. Person X is less likely to go out of their way for you

They won't make calls, send emails or chase their contacts to help you - simply because they haven't the relationship or loyalty to you in order to justify it.

Their loyalty and time will be spent on furthering their own interests and the interests of their warm contacts. Again, something which your warm contacts and friends are more likely to do if you spent more time with them instead of lusting after Person X.

3. You'll resist making the call to Person X

It's a natural instinct - you know Person X can definitely help you move forward, but you resist contacting them and resist asking directly for help because you're relationship may have lapsed or you may not know them too well. So it's far better to focus on your warm contacts (who you'll find it easier to contact) and ask for their help in connecting you to Person X or a similar person.

4. Person X will be much more receptive if you're introduced (or re-introduced) via a warm contact of yours

That email introduction you ask your warm contacts to make provides a seal of credibility that opens the door to Person X far quicker than if you approach person X direct. So focus on your relationships with warm contacts first -  not because you want contacts from them - but just because their you're warm contacts. 

5. Spending time with your warm contacts is a lot more fun 

As I've mentioned before, your networking should be effortless. In order to be yourself and get results, it should be something you enjoy rather than resist and overly stress about. So make it easy on yourself by spending what precious time you have with people you enjoy being with. Be clear and open about what your needs are so that they're best placed to help you - and, if possible, introduce you a Person X type individual.

See, I told you it wasn't rocket science. I bet you knew all of this stuff already didn't you?

So why are you spending all that time thinking and chasing after Person X when all the contacts you need are sitting in your diary and mobile phone? 

By Sital Ruparelia

Comments

[Johnny Johnson]

So where do I look for or find networking groups in the television industry here in the Phoenix, Arizona area?

[Sital]

Johnny, 4 ways:

1. As I mentioned in above - through your warm contacts. Friends, family, ex-colleagues, ex-college friends, neighbours, friends from social/sporting clunbs etc. Maybe not them, but someone they know will be able to answer and have contacts

2. LinkedIn Groups

3. Facebook Groups

4. Twitter search

[billiesucher]

Sital, thanks for another great post. Here's an add'l idea for Johnny to consider:

#5
go to MeetUp.Com and type in 'television' and 'Phoenix, AZ, USA' and 11 groups will appear...he can see if any of them might be of interest.

[RADHIKA GUPTA]

GREAT ADVICE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I too agree that warm contact helps you more.try to develop strong relationaships which will not only help you in short term but also long term.

you never know how and where these contacts helps you

best of luck!!!!!!!!!

[Martin Piraino]

Johnny Johnson,

For communication's contacts in the Phoenix area another place you might want to look at is the IABC Phoenix Chapter, through my own networking I've come to know a couple of people involved with this group. Their website is at http://www.iabcphoenix.com/ while it's not 'television' specific, there are people in the group involved in broadcast journalism, and other types of media, you may also want to check out Arizona Interactive Marketing Association - http://joinazima.org and again while it's not television specific, there may be people there who are involved in the TV industry. Another site to check out is networkingphoenix.com for events local to the Phoenix area where you can network with others, it's a resource I use a lot as well.

Regards,
-Martin Piraino
martinpiraino.com

[Wendy Terwelp]

Very fun post Sital!

People, time to THINK BIG. You've got a lot more warm referrals in your network than you may realize. Your third cousin twice removed counts. So do your hair dresser, dentist, plumber, handyman, auto repair guy, nail salon gal, and MORE.

Go beyond your family and friends. Start making your list, and making those calls.

Best,
-Wendy Terwelp
rockyournetwork.com

[Winstrol]

With "warm contacts" you will be more sincere and it will be felt by these contacts - so you will be more effective in this case

[Orlando Whyte]

JOB VACANCY
CAPITAL OIL & GAS INDUSTRIES
INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
SOUTH LONDON
Seeking for qualified Engineers.
Applicant must possess the following:

1) University Degree in any of the following courses;
Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical Engineering,
Geology, Industrial Physics. Or any equivalent courses in
oil & gas

2) 5years working experience with oil and gas company

3) Ready to work with a group/ team

4) Single/ married but not be above 35years of age

5) Speaks English and Chinese or Dutch or portuguese

6) Willing to traveled outside his/her country

Kindly forward your CV and application letter to
Dr. Orlando Whyte through his e_mail:
orlandowhyte@live.com Before 14th of June 2010