Ask ( for Coffee ), and Ye Shall Receive By Brenna Pavey
Last year I found myself contracting for a client in a position I knew was too good to be true . The hours and pay were great , but the prospects for future projects weren ’ t , and there was zero security . Sure enough , the contract ended on short notice , and I found myself without work in a city that ’ s all about who you know , where jobs for people of my age , experience and salary level are simply not advertised .
I ’ d been in Perth for about 15 years , and thus far I had never gotten a job by applying for one . Even as an immigrant , I had always found my next gig through someone I knew . At first , I dreaded the thought of pounding the pavement , but I knew to trust in my networks .
So I got on the horn , so to speak , via email , text message , social media , and the good old-fashioned telephone . My overture to both existing and new contacts was simple , but not overly narrow : I ’ m a communications person with a diverse background and skill set , and I ’ m looking for something new . To my surprise , I soon found I was excited about pursuing new connections on the recommendations of people I knew . Everyone had a unique angle when it came to communications , and their own backgrounds and experience were all fascinating . Among the new connections were :
• A labor force expert with insights automation
• An environmental scientist consultant
• An art director
• An HR expert
• A market researcher who switched careers by investing in a drone start-up
• A professional musician whose performing arts company was struggling with its own success
None of these people would appear to have anything in common , but over dozens of coffees in about three months , some themes began to emerge :
• People are happy to connect you with people they know if they see you are genuine , honest , and interested
• People are generally flattered when asked for their advice and wisdom
• Nobody said I was crazy when I said I wanted to aim high rather than settle in a sluggish economy
• Relevant wisdom can be found in everyone ’ s experience or advice
You may not be looking for a job , but you should always be looking for new connections . Here are some tips on where to look and how to approach these connections with the right mindset .
Look for Connections in Unexpected Places
When we think about networking , we often think of formal opportunities like luncheons and conferences . But there are two unexpected places you shouldn ’ t overlook .
First , forget schmoozing over lunch at expensive conferences . Just talk to people : parents on the playground , fellow volunteers , ex-colleagues , the woman next to you in the checkout line .
Don ’ t ask for anything . Just be interested in what other people do and say . I have no experience with drones , but I know my kid likes flying them , and I think they are becoming extremely important .
Second , use LinkedIn . I never thought I ’ d be proud to be a super-user of LinkedIn , but there is a lot of value in those second- and third-hand connections , especially when searching in specific industries .
Want some inside dirt on a job you ’ ve applied for but can ’ t get past the recruiter ? Type in the name of the hiring manager ’ s title , and you might get a hit . Did you know LinkedIn offers a free mentor-matching service ? I ’ ve had coffee with three local mentors in different industries whom I would not have met otherwise .
Be bold . Be prepared . Be patient .
Be bold . If you put forward a clear purpose for a meeting with someone , without asking for anything but their time , they will most likely be candid , interested , and helpful . A
44 APR-JUN 2018