‘A contacts a do it’ – a favourite expression among Jamaicans. Many people love to have ‘contacts’, but they both resent and fear the concept. We love it when it’s working for us – you know the promoter so you get a free ticket to the show, or you know somebody who knows somebody so your distant cousin will definitely seal the job.
We however despise the ‘contacts’ business when we don’t know anyone to pave the way for whatever our requests might be, or we perceive that others getting through solely on the basis of the weight of their contacts. Indeed, there is a popular view that many successful people have acquired success or certain opportunities so only because they knew the ‘right’ people.
But is having contacts such a bad thing? Today, that same word is called NETWORKING, and all it means is the ability to make connections and build relationships. Building your network is especially important for those wishing to work in careers as wide ranging as media and communications, the entertainment industry, customer service, hospitality and tourism, politics etc.
Here are SIX TIPS FOR EFFECTIVE NETWORKING that are guaranteed to establish and expand your personal profile as well as increase your professional network.
1.Make a list of your current network: Study who you now know. I like to make a mental list of whom to invite to my wedding (no date proposed as I am yet to confirm fiancée ). Nonetheless, this simple exercise is not only interesting but incredibly useful as you may realize that your friendship network is an enormously lengthy one. But I am talking about professional networks. When you get together with your friends, take a few minutes to talk about career progression – the work you do now and what you aspire to do. It’s amazing how people just lock into your business immediately and offering suggestions and directing you to the ‘right people’ etc.
2.Study your work network
Do only hang out with the receptionist, the lunch lady, the security or the janitor? Not saying you shouldn’t – these folks are a crucial part of your work network. They can place a call in your behalf, give you credit in the cafeteria, or let you into the building after hours (because you even have their mobile phone, and know their children’s names). But what do you know about your colleagues? Find out- what are their goals and dreams? Don’t limit your conversation to the work at hand. Talk to them about the direction of the organisation, its priorities and how they fit into it. You never know when they will offer you a good suggestion of how to get promoted or benefit from a work opportunity.
3. Always Seize the networking opportunity
Every time you meet someone new, it’s an opportunity to build/expand your network. Don’t just add people to your Facebook friend’s list at random. A list of people is not a network. It’s just a list. Take a few minutes to ask people what they do and make a note of it. The consider that their work or aspirations may intersect with theirs. Volunteer to assist them with a project. Point them to something (an article, an idea) that may be of some benefit to them. Even if there is no obvious intersection of your work, the point is that they will remember you.
4.Participate at work: Volunteer in your community
Volunteer for a social committee. Offer suggestions in office meetings. Do not hide amongst the group. People will forget that you work there! Actively participating in activities at work allows you to make contacts throughout the organisation. It is important to be seen to be involved and interested. If you are self-employed, volunteer in the community. Join a community group, maybe a sports team (e.g. business house netball); the gym, Neighbourhood Watch, a community charity etc). Actually go out on Labour Day and do something in an area. This kind of attitude gives you profile and presence. Don’t forget however to take numbers, business cards, and keep in touch with people of influence.
5.Join your industry group.
Are you a musician, join the federation of Musicians. Are you a journalist, join the Press Association. Are you a taxi driver- join the taxi operators association. There will be tons of people to meet with whom you can share ideas, interests, plans and goals. I was on every Committee in High School, at College. I am much more selective now, but the point is that you have the capacity through this avenue to acquire a strong network of people with influence in a range of areas which may come in handy one day.
6.Invite yourself out to different functions.
This is perhaps the most challenging one. I can hear people saying it is the height of presumptuousness and down right rude to invite yourself to people’s functions. I am not suggesting that the Prime Minister or President is having a private dinner and you are not invited yet you dress in to boot and turn up at his/her residence. This is not it. Yet, there are a raft of activities and events happening that are not ‘strictly by invitation’. People turn up to these things all the time. Whenever I am in Jamaica, my friend Lorna and I go on the prowl. We see an event advertised and immediately we say ‘we are there” – from the Manufacturers’ and Exporters Association Expo to the Mayor of Kingston’s annual soiree.
When you arrive, look for small group of folks and say hi – with a big smile plastered on your face. Avoid people in two’s – they are usually deep in (many times private conversation). Be ready with your name (some people will be with you for the whole day and not offer their name). Say ‘where do you work; have you been here before, do you know any of the speakers. Your goals is to meet people and have fun!
BONUS TIP: Do not burn your bridges.
Make sure that everywhere that you have worked, you can go back, be chummy with you boss (or at least civil – sometimes we do have to get upset and abandon a job!); call and ask a favour or just hang with your former colleagues.
A family member told me once’ life is about building contacts’.
My own experience has taught me that enthusiasm, friendliness and kindness are contagious and naturally attracts people to you. And a professional career in journalism and communications has taught me how to build, maintain and nurture my professional relationships and the importance of rebuilding them if and when they go awry. In this case, you are always on my ‘contact list’!
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Hume Nicola Johnson, PhD is a strategic communications consultant. She teaches Journalism and Communications at James Cook University, Queensland, Australia.
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