Sunday, March 27, 2011

News You Can Use - New Canadians must self-promote more

Hello again,

I just read the below article and the topic is my preferred one. In my experience, networking success has never been based on who you know but, rather, who knows you. 

Because, NETWORK is surrounding yourself with people who support you! What propels your career success whether you are self-employed or working for others? "Networking with as many as possible." 
A commonly known phrase says: "What you know is important; who you know is even more important."
Furthermore, a more appropriate phrase would be: "It isn't who you know, but who knows you and knows what you know."
As noted above, your relationships matter - your professional network of trusted contacts gives you an advantage in your career, and is one of your most valuable assets. Who you know and more importantly who knows you can help your credibility. 
In this article you will find a road-map to become a master networker:

Getting Connected: IN SOME CULTURES TALKING ABOUT YOUR SKILLS IS CONSIDERED INAPPROPRIATE BUT IN THE JOB MARKET, IT'S A MUST
At a recent conference dedicated to sharing strategies with new Canadians on how to connect in the job market, the overwhelming theme was encouraging them to "network." The question is "how?"
Successful networking is the same regardless of where you were born. There are four pillars -- the concept, the strategy, the Business of YOU and the fundamentals -- to become a master networker:
  • The concept: In Canada, the networking approach that works best is more subtle than in other parts of the world. A person who has just met you is not likely to open up his or her network to you to help you find a job until the relationship has had time to develop. It could take meeting someone six to eight times at networking functions before you start to click. Showing up once or twice is not enough. Asking a person at the time of introduction to give you a job or introduce you to someone who could won't likely happen.
  • The strategy: You'll need to figure out where you should go to network that will give you the best opportunity to connect with people in your industry. Research online can help you pinpoint the movers and shakers in your field. It requires stepping out of your comfort zone, but if you only network within current circles, you won't meet people who can lead to the job you desire.
  • The Business of YOU: This is the networking pillar that addresses your image and employability. Your personal brand or reputation will have a huge effect on your ability to get and keep a job. The question for a potential employer is not only if you can do the work, it's whether you can function and get along in the workplace. For people to hire or recommend you, they need to like you, trust you and believe you are competent so every time you go to a networking event you want to keep these goals in mind. Ask yourself "What would it be like to meet me?" The answer may tell you a lot about how well you connect with people. One barrier for internationally trained professionals can be language. Even if you are fluent in English, a thick accent can make it difficult to connect at loud networking events. Practise and perfect your English or French. Knowing a second language can benefit you in your work, but getting connected to the right people will require conversations most often in English.
  • The fundamentals: Knowing the how-tos of networking in Canada is essential to landing a job in the professional realm.
Allison Graham is a business networking expert, conference speaker and the author of Business Cards to Business Relationships: How to Build the Ultimate Network. To submit a question, comment on this article or contact Allison, visit her blog at http://blogs.canoe.ca/gettingconnected or her website, http://blogs.canoe.ca/gettingconnected
As well, check these Free Networking Tips.
"It isn't who you know, but who knows you and knows what you know." ~ Anonymus

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