As a networking specialist, I make it a point to maximize networking opportunities. Conferences are an ideal setting to exponentially drive network growth. But I have found these to be a unique and challenging networking environment. Why? Because conferences are to networking what marathons are to running. The key to success is managing energy and enthusiasm over the entire conference.

Conference specifics: every year, over one thousand speakers, trainers and coaches attend the National Speakers’ Association Annual Convention.  This year, this U.S.-based organization chose New York City as their Conference location. The Big Apple is always a busy place and a logisitics hiccup forced me to use an off-site hotel, creating a unique wrinkle.

P.S.: my wife accompanies me on these trips. She’s an equal partner in my business, deserves the chance to see these exotic locations, is officially in charge of shopping and sight-seeing, and keeps me grounded.

Conference pre-planning: When I previewed the programming, a number of sessions offered information I thought could be of benefit and I always meet a number of new American colleagues. Checking the registration list, I saw that over one hundred Canadian speakers were registered. I knew I would re-connect with a number of old friends since I had registered for a Canadians-only dinner. And finally, I contacted some international colleagues, advising them I had registered for the Global Speakers Network event being held at the U.N. Headquarters building. All in all, a busy few days loomed ahead.

Day 1: we arrived at the Convention site early in the afternoon, a few hours before the official start of programming. I find that leaving myself a few hours to de-compress from travelling is always a good idea. After checking into our hotel, I walked the short distance to the Conference hotel, picking up the registration kit, confirming session locations and scouting out the different areas of the hotel.

Arriving for the opening evening ceremonies, I noticed the energy that is always present on the first day of Conference.   Attendees are excited, anticipating the upcoming events and activities. Travelling through the hotel, I find others are checking name badges, have a huge grin and offer enthusiastic greetings. I wandered around until I found a group of Canadians and decided to stay with them. There seemed to be a special appeal in being with friends on this first evening. Or was it too much anxiety about this large group of people, most of whom I did not know?

Day 2: An early start today with an opening plenary session followed by breakout sessions, and the same schedule in the afternoon. I have found the key to success on the first full day of a Conference is to initiate conversations and get a business card. Most attendees are running on adrenaline and won’t stand still long enough for a deep or extended chat. The morning breakout session I wanted to attend was full when I arrived (after chatting too long in the hallway). Fire regulations meant no one was allowed to stand, so a number of us were unceremoniously kicked out. There is something to be said for being early. This resulted in a chance conversation with a colleague who has just accomplished a life goal I am pursuing. He gave me great input. There is something to be said for being late.

One brief interaction at the conclusion of an afternoon session was with a speaker from Ireland. We exchanged cards and moved on. But something told me he was a pretty interesting guy (Check out Sean Weafer). To close out this first day, my wife accompanies me to the Canadians-only event where we re-connect with a number of friends, most of whom we only see at this event.

Day 3: This is the final full day of the Convention. There is a noticeable decrease in energy as attendees start to feel the pressure of extended exposure to new connections and information. I skip the morning breakout session, deciding to wander through the Convention hall with no particular destination in mind. I strike up a conversation with another attendee. We have a wonderful ten-minute chat that leaves us both re-energized. A missed lunch connection leaves me sitting between two corporate trainers. What a serendipitous contact. At an afternoon session, I end up re-connecting with my Irish friend. It turns we both know the same speaker in the U.K. We develop a strong bond in the five minutes before our session begins. The final event of the day is the closing banquet, where we sit with a couple of our closest friends and join the after-banquet party. We leave the event exhausted but very happy.

Day 4: This Convention has a unique schedule leaving a couple of events for this morning, almost as an afterthought. I decide to skip them (and find out later that one of speakers was the best one) as I am attending  a post-conference event at the U.N building. This is one of my most-anticipated Convention events and, although I am disapponted in the facility, the event and banquet are quite productive, allowing me to meet a  number of international speakers.

Day 5: This our last day in New York City, we have purposely delayed our departure until evening so we can take full advantage of some of the unique items the city has to offer. We visited a number of tourist attractions, got lost in the subway and found that, even though New Yorkers can be very intransigent, there are some very friendly and helpful people there too.

post-conference activities: One of the most common mistakes of conference networking is NOT following up with contacts. I invested, about two hours upon my return (the first morning, in fact) to send personalized follow up messages to every contact I made and many of the colleagues I re-connected with. Most were pleasantly surprised at my speedy follow up. Where appropriate, I offered to supply information or support and, in every case, I offered a sample of my FREE weekly email networking tip (about 95% agreed). I have three contacts that represent serious business opportunities and two people that I sincerely feel strongly about staying in contact with.

Conclusion: I find that conferences represent unbeliveable opportunities for network growth and diversity. I keep my mind open to the (seemingly) random contacts they supply and take full responsibility for growing them into the strong relationhssips I know they can become.

P.S.: What are some the conference experiences you have encountered. Click on the comment button above to leave a message.

Michael Hughes, THE Networking Guru.

I’ve heard it said that we don’t find books, they find us. I think this was the case when I was browsing through Chapters recently, and stumbled upon The Back Swan - The Impact of the Highly Improbable, by Nassim Nicholas Taleb.

The topic seemed far removed from my chosen field of networking for results, but for some inexplicable reason, I ended up walking out with it in my bag.  On top of that, I couldn’t wait to start reading it. The attraction was almost overwhelming.

A Black Swan is a highly improbable event that has three attributes: rarity, extreme impact and retrospective predictability (meaning that, in retrospect, we think we can explain it).  These random events, though few in number, have (and have had) the ability to affect world outcomes.

 There are two different types of Black Swan events. Negative  Black Swan events (like 9/11, unforseen financial disasters) are sudden, unexplainable and catastrophic. The author focuses much of his work on their effects and how they impact our world and our lives. Positive Black Swan events are equally unexpected, unpredictable and carry consequences. However these are pre-disposed to deliver positive outcomes.

Although much of the author’s documentation and emphasis is on the effect of negative Black Swan events on a global basis, the information he shares has a practical application in daily activities and their effect on future outcomes.

I must admit that I was naturally attracted to the positive Black Swan analogy, seeing in it much of my philosophy and methodology. As I read Taleb’s (or NNT, as he refers to himself in the book) Black Swan strategies, I couldn’t help but smile as I recognized what I intuitively have been doing while networking. Here are his “tricks” to maximize random Black Swans:

1. Make the distinction between positive contingencies and negative ones. There are positive Black Swans and negative ones. Know which is which. Seek out positive networking connections and quickly move away from interractions where you don’t resonate with your conversation partner.

2. Don’t look for the precise and local. Don’t be narrow-minded. Business networking often carries a pre-disposition to qualify and close. This short-term thinking short-circuits the more important relationship-building potential of networking. Seek instead to use these as opportunities to enhance personal context and explore professional value areas that can lead to future contact.

3. Seize the opportunity, or anything that looks like an opportunity. Positive Black Swans have a necessary first step. Networking is a relationship initiator and accelerator, but you must take responsibility for nurturing this contact into outcomes. Ask for a business card, follow within 24 hours and create more contact to further stimulate contact and communication. Therein lies the secret strategy I have cultivated for the last ten years.

4. Beware precise plans by government. Don’t put your future in other people’s hands. Beware of those who push too hard or move too fast. Take charge of your life and your networking strategy. Know your strengths, your value and your business cycle, and manage the process.

Author’s note: all the points above have one thing in common: assymetry. Put yourself in situations where favourable consequences are much larger than unfavourable ones. Find the right network, participate actively and build strategic relationships. Then watch as these seemingly random Black Swans evolve into options and opportunities for success.

now, go work your network,

Michael Hughes, The Networking Guru.

Last year about this time, I made the investment of diving into the online networking world. As a business networking specialist (www.networkingForResults.com), I felt I needed to be part of this new trend. Besides, I had just attended a seminar on the benefits of using social networks as a business-building strategy.

I decided to join LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com). After all, it seemed to be the logical network for me, as it is focused on a professional audience. I even registered at the premium level, thinking that this would give me even more opportunity with this new vehicle.

I immediately filled in my profile, then swamped my network with invitations to join. While this was happening, I researched the Linked In world to see who was out there and assess how I could use my new “toy”. Over the last twleve months, I’ve been testing a number of pilot projects and programs using my LinkedIn account as I built my network to almost 300 contacts with a total network reach of just under 3 million contacts.

The Naked Truth:  I haven’t received one request for information about my services.  I’ve been asked for one referral, which I rejected as I didn’t have a sufficient level of trust in the person who requested it.  When I tried to follow up with people who visited my profile, I found there was little interest. I even received a negative notice from Linked In that I was contacting people outside my network. The one initiative I did launch (speaking in Hawaii) went nowhere, although I did get info on accommodation while there (so it wasn’t a total loss). 

In spite of this, I intend to maintain my presence on LinkedIn. Why do this based on the lack of results achieved so far, you might ask? The reason is simple. I haven’t applied the principles and practices in the virtual networking world that work so well for me in the real networking world. Joining a network doesn’t translate into success. Working the network does.

In fact, virtual networks require even more personal investment, to overcome the missing “human contact” dynamic that we take for granted in the real world. Connections don’t equal relationships. They never will. As I start my second year as a virtual networker, I plan to increase my success within my chosen online network in three specific areas:

1. Clarify my professional and personal objectives, then review my actions and results on a  monthly basis.

2. Strengthen my position as an expert resource by answering questions that appear on LinkedIn in my area of focus, and be more active in LinkedIn communities that relate to my target markets.

3. Building, then leveraging strategic, high-value relationships in my Linked In network contact list.

I’d love to hear any comments you may have about your investment and success (or lack of) with an online network.

Michael Hughes, THE Networking Guru,

www.NetworkingForResults.com

As a networking specialist and student of networks (www.NetworkingForResults.com), I’m always looking for opportunities to confirm how the fundamental networking principles I have discovered apply in business and in life. This document is a work-in-progress that tracks the evolution of “The Network Effect” and its impact on a pre-determined outcome.

April 14th, 2008 is a special day. It marks my 35th wedding anniversary (and yes, to the same woman). In early December 2007, I was reflecting on how to celebrate this milestone event. I wanted something special, memorable and momentous. Cheryl has always dreamed of going to Hawaii, so I decided to surprise her with tickets to this destination for Christmas. This would give us plenty of time to plan and prepare for an unforgettable holiday.

Then I thought “wouldn’t it be cool if I could speak while we were on holiday” (I can hear the collective groan from all the women reading this, but please, bear with me). I had never been to Hawaii, didn’t know anyone there and had never even thought about exploring something like this. I decided to make this part of my exercise, dubbing it “The Maui Experiment” as after some research, I had decided on Maui as our destination. I booked airfare and prepared my Christmas surprise strategy, which went over extremely well. It’s the first time I’ve seen my wife cry when she opened her Christmas present.

As for The Maui Experiment, my first question was “Where do I start?” I don’t know anyone in Maui, or Hawaii for that matter. Putting my networking expert hat on, I asked myself “Do I have access to a network that might assist in my quest?” Then I remembered I am part of an online social business community called LinkedIn. I had joined in July 2007 and had been building a base of professional connections in this international virtual network. The more I thought about it, the more I realized this network was the perfect resource. Finding the right network is the first step in achieving any outcome.

I went to the LinkedIn site and used the search feature to find connections located on Maui, further focusing my search on sourcing contacts aligned with my target markets. I found a number of potential candidates. I sent each a simple message sharing my area of expertise, advising we would be on holiday in the area in April 2008 and asking for help in sourcing an opportunity to speak. The second step in leveraging a network is communicating clearly the outcome you want/need.

Within a week I received a reply from one of the recipients located on Maui. She explained that the island was small and that the business environment was quite laid back. She recommended I check out the more commercialized areas of Hawaii, especially Honolulu. I continued my LinkedIn marketing strategy, sending out a few messages every day, and expanding my search area to include all of the Hawaiian Islands. I received a number of replies, but nothing concrete.

About a week after my first response, this same person re-contacted me, asking if we had finalized our accommodation. She had a furnished two-bedroom cottage and wondered if we might be interested in renting it. Over the next few weeks, and in spite of some horrendous email issues, we persisted in moving this opportunity forward.

When we finally got the chance to see pictures of the cottage property, we were overwhelmed by its beauty and serenity, and the price was very reasonable. What a surprise benefit from The Maui Experiment. My network was really telling me what it could supply, based on the current circumstances and situation. The third step in leveraging a network is being open about the benefits and by-products it can, and will, supply.

As this opportunity was unfolding, I began to share this as a “good news story” in my presentations. A number of audience participants approached me, requesting info on the cottage. I contacted my Maui connection and suggested she set up a web site so I could refer these prospects. Check it out at www.orchid-cottage.com The fourth step in leveraging a network is to build relationships by contributing to the success of others.

And now, the piece de resistance. On February 4th, 2007, just as we were finalizing the details for renting the cottage for our holiday, I received an email requesting I confirm my availability to speak on September 18th, 2008 in Honolulu. This unexpected surprise came through a separate, concurrent relationship-building exercise. It brought a whole new dimension to our trip, as we now had the chance to travel to this exotic location with a good portion of our travel paid by the client.

I contacted our Maui cottage owner and advised her of the new wrinkle, requesting to delay our stay until Fall. Our revised plan is to add a 10-day holiday behind the work portion, where we will relax in a lovely cottage on Maui. The fifth step in leveraging a network is to continually invest in building relationships.

The Maui Experiment has now become part of my case histories, a perfect example of The Network Effect. I am using this story in my presentations to demonstrate the power and potential of networking and networks. By the way, I continue to develop the relationship with my friend Leili McKinley, owner of the Maui cottage. She has asked to attend my presentation in Honolulu and we are exchanging information about networking groups on Maui. Who knows, maybe I will get to speak while on holiday in Maui this Fall.

The Network Effect: every person you meet has the potential to help you to the extent he or she is willing, and able. Your mission is to stimulate their willingness as you discover their ability, relative to your situation.

P.S.: Because these new circumstances have changed the timing of our anniversary trip, we will be taking a cruise in April. After 35 years, she deserves it.

Michael Hughes is known as THE Networking Guru. www.NetworkingForResults.com.  He specializes in coaching professionals towards increased results and profits by better utilizing networking as a business strategy and leveraging the Network Effect.

George Torok is co-author of “Secrets of Power Marketing”. He has interviewed over 400 business leaders as host of the weekly radio show, “Business in Motion” on 93.3 CFMU. Check him out. George contacted me a few weeks ago and asked some of the most insightful and intriguing questions I ‘ve ever been asked. Here is part one of our interview.

G.T.: Why do so many smart people fail at networking?
MJH: It’s an accepted fact that success, in business and in life, is directly related to the quality and diversity of the relationships we have, or acquire. Relationships, by their very nature, require trust, time and investment. Smart people know this, often intuitively. But we live in a world that mistakenly promotes instant gratification: instant soup, instant credit, instant results. It’s an almost-overwhelming message that, for the most part, goes against both the research of experts and the reality of life. Many professionals, even the smart ones, fall prey to this fallacy when it comes to networking.
The misguided mindset that simply showing up at an event, connecting with a few people and passing around business cards will cause the phone to ring or deliver instant results is one of the most common misconceptions about networking. When was the last you did business with someone after a thirty-second to three-minute conversation? It just doesn’t happen. Yet invariably, sales and business professionals, event the smart ones, succumb to the premise that networking is a tell-and-sell “instant-results” activity.
Networking cannot, and will not, produce instant results. That is not its purpose, nor should it be the premise. Its primary purpose is to act as a powerful ignition point for a relationship. Its premise is to create a starting point, a foundation if you will, that can, and does, accelerate the relationship-building process. The smartest (and most successful) people long ago realized this fact and have the ability to leverage the power and potential of a networking conversation, no matter how brief. They focus primarily on using these interactions to create a basis for future contact, taking responsibility for fostering on-going contact as they explore mutual value areas. Accepting networking as a delayed-gratification activity is the first step to accelerating relationship-building and increasing results. But of course, as a smart person, you already knew this, right?

G.T.: What bugs you about the preachings of some “networking experts”?
MJH: Too often, networking experts or sales trainers promote networking as a set of canned sentences that can be memorized or as a series of manipulative tactics that provide immediate results. It’s a business-first approach, built on the premise that contact equals commitment. From “What do you do?’ and “Who do you know?” to “Here’s my card.” and “Call me if you need XYZ.” It’s schmooze, sell and move on. Not only does this self-serving approach not work, it complicates and compromises an already anxiety-filled experience. Networking in a business environment is different that a social environment. It brings a different set of challenges and issues. So what happens that has such a radical negative impact on this inbred tendency to interact with others when it comes to professional networking? In a word: business.
The most powerful professional networking skill is not advancing a personal agenda, but building on the relationship spark that arises as a major part of the interaction. This is best done by shifting the focus to the other person’s interests, insights and issues. The effect of this strategy will be to have your conversation partner see you as a caring and competent professional, and open the door to hearing about the value you have. It is imperative to recognize and accept that networking as a business activity produces the best results when it is used not to sell but to sow. What some “networking preachers” fail to address is the fact that networking is a core skill that requires the right combination of attitude, practice and patience.

What is your most effective networking tip?
The most effective tip I can offer to getting more and better networking results is moving away from networking to sell and towards networking to build relationships. This is simple to say, yet difficult to do. It requires courage, commitment and discipline. It involves intent and investment. It flies in the face of our me-first society. But it holds the biggest payoff.

Stay tuned for part two of this episode.

George Torok is co-author of “Secrets of Power Marketing”. He has interviewed over 400 business leaders as host of the weekly radio show, “Business in Motion” on 93.3 CFMU. He is a marketing specialist and executive consultant, executive speech coach and presentations skills specialist. He is available for media interviews and speaking engagements. Call 905-335-1997, visit him at www.georgeTorok.com or email him at George@Torok.com.

George Torok is co-author of “Secrets of Power Marketing”. He has interviewed over 400 business leaders as host of the weekly radio show, “Business in Motion” on 93.3 CFMU. Check him out. George contacted me a few weeks ago and asked some of the most insightful and intriguing questions I ‘ve ever been asked. Here is the final part of our interview.

G.T.: Is networking the poor man’s marketing tool?
MJH: Marketing has been expressed as the entire process that takes a product or service from concept to client. It encompasses every aspect of business and permeates every activity. But the most effective marketing strategies are usually those that offer the biggest impact for the least amount of invested resources. This is more a basis of reality than a measure of size although smaller companies, especially SOHO entrepreneurs or individual business professionals, are perhaps more challenged in marketing effectively. It is a continuous battle for them to leverage their limited time and resources and gain maximum visibility. One of the most common mistakes about networking is the inability of an individual or company to visualize the incredible leverage power and potential this strategy contains.
Most professionals see networking as a one-dimensional activity meant to identify contacts and qualify prospects. This limiting perspective doesn’t allow them to reap the full spectrum of benefits that networking offers. Networking, when viewed as a marketing strategy rather than a prospecting activity, can deliver incredible opportunities and options. The residual impact of joining, then leveraging a networking group includes direct access to the membership, sometimes numbering in the hundreds, but more importantly, to multiple networks through the connections that become available. This potential is available to anyone, for the price of a membership and the willingness to invest in a personal marketing program. This powerful resource is available to anyone who has the vision and the commitment to make it happen. So the truth of the matter is that, in this context, networking is every man’s (and woman’s) marketing tool.

G.T.: Is online “social networking” a worthwhile business networking tool?
MJH: Social networks have taken on a life of their own. They allow us to connect as never before. This is a good news-bad news story. The good news is that we now have access to a huge network of contacts. The bad news is that, without focus or context, most of these are worthless, and only serve to complicate and overwhelm our already overly-busy lives.
So what’s the value of social networks?
Research continues to affirm that we maintain our strongest relationships with a small group (usually no more than a dozen people). It has also confirmed that face-to-face contact is still the most powerful relationship-building vehicle. The other side of the coin is that our increased connectivity allows us to stay in touch better, supporting and accelerating the relationship-building process with these new technology tools. In addition, this increased connectivity does permit access to more and better resources when we do have a need. The bottom line is that social networks are an enhancer to networking, but will probably never replace the human dynamic we require.

G.T.: Any final thoughts?
MJH: The relationships we have, and the relationships we make, hold untold power and incredible potential to propel us in the direction of our goals and dreams. The secret to leveraging this invaluable resource is to continually invest in creating, building and reinforcing more and better relationships. The Laws of Networks reward those who respect their impact and act as an obstacle to those who, actively or unwittingly, overlook their effect. Relationships are the foundation for success in business and in life. They are based on trust, value and contribution. Networking, in its simplest terms, is the process on creating and developing relationships, from initial contact to ultimate outcome. As you connect with others, are you conscious of building trust, adding value and contributing to their success?

George Torok is co-author of “Secrets of Power Marketing”. He has interviewed over 400 business leaders as host of the weekly radio show, “Business in Motion” on 93.3 CFMU. He is a marketing specialist and executive consultant, executive speech coach and presentations skills specialist. He is available for media interviews and speaking engagements. Call 905-335-1997, visit www.GeorgeTorok.com or email him at George@Torok.com.

In this week’s post, noted networking expert Dr Gnu (A.K.A. Michael Hughes www.NetworkingForResults.com), interviews marketing specialist B. Card.

Dr Gnu: First off, can you enlighten our audience on your background and how you came to be known as The Business Card, one of the powerful marketing resources?
B.C.: Interesting question Dr G. It all started back in the dark ages. Hunters and skinners  didn’t have a means of staying in touch. I started out as a slate slab, etched with their mark and cave coordinates and the rest, as they say, is history. Homo sapiens now had not only the ability to separate himself from primates but could identify the competition. Granted, they couldn’t carry many, but without pockets it didn’t much matter.

Dr. Gnu: What do you see as the turning point in the growth of your marketing power?
B.C.: I would have to say the printing press. Once it was created, everyone had access to my potential. Even though most people still couldn’t read, the small size, lightweight design and low cost combined to become an instant winner, even with only drawings to describe the holder’s value. I quickly became the personal marketing resource of choice.

Dr. Gnu: Moving into today’s world, what do you see as your biggest marketing asset?
B.C.: In one phrase, I’d say staying power. In some circles I’m known as the “Viagra of Personal Marketing”. When I’m used effectively, I can act as a long term reminder of both personality and potential. Even months after an initial contact, I can stimulate memories of enthusiasm, trust and professionalism. In fact my newer, electronic format has the ability to be used in a myriad of keeping-in-touch options.

Dr. Gnu: So with all this going for you, is there a downside?
B.C.: Unfortunately there is. I can think of two main issues that derail my chances for marketing success. Firstly, I’m often put into play without creating the proper foundation. Without solid personal or professional context, my information is perceived to be of little value. Building a sense of connection first, delaying my arrival until I’ve been invited, or stimulating a request for my appearance will avoid this shortfall.
Secondly, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been relegated to a bottom drawer without so much as a second glance. It seems there’s a built-in resistance to following up on all my hard work. I can’t stress strongly enough that time is of the essence if I’m to leverage my marketing power, especially if I’ve been properly introduced. I can, and do, have an incredible impact when implemented within twenty-four hours of receipt.

Dr. Gnu: One final question. What are your thoughts on the social networking phenomenon, its impact on face-to-face networking and the use of The Business Card?
B.C.: As Mark Twain remarked “Rumours of my death are greatly exaggerated”. The increased connectivity created by the technology explosion has only served to heighten the importance and value of personal contact. Even with my many electronic formats, it’s an accepted fact that a personal exchange still has maximum power and impact. With so many opportunities facing us, we rely more on personal contact as differentiator and respect even more its power to accelerate relationships.

Do you have a question for The Business Card? Dr Gnu will be happy to pass it along in his next interview.

I don’t know whether you’re at the starting point of your of your job or career search, or whether you’ve been in this mode for a while. I don’t know if it’s come upon you as an unexpected slap in the face or was obvious as it unfolded.

I’m not aware of your current mindset regarding this situation, but as a self-employed professional for the last sixteen-plus years, I’ve consistently lived with this mindset and in this environment.

As a consultant, trainer and speaker, I’m continually in job search mode . My business strategy is such that I source clients, deliver my services, then move on the the next one. So I’m intimately familiar with the roller coaster of emotional and psychologial issues that accompany the ebb and flow of job or career search.

So, with almost seventeen years of job search experience, I’ve learned a few things. I thought I’d share some of the strategies, tips and tactics that work for me, and may be helpful to you as you transition into success:

Face reality. No one is going to show at your door and beg you to work for them, no matter how smart or experienced you are. There are dozens of people as qualified and capable as you, looking for the position you want. Sending out a few resumes, making some calls to old friends or expecting others to hire because “they owe you” will rarely, if ever, happen. The good news, just about everybody thinks this is how it works, so, by taking charge and doing a few of the right things, you’re light years ahead of the competition.

Clarify your value. The people we touch or meet, naturally want to be helpful. Make it easy for them by being clear about what it is you want and need. Be specific. Don’t put the burden on the other person to find you a job. It’s not her/his responsibility, it’s yours. Leverage their connection by being crystal clear about the value you have and who you think can benefit.

Deal from strength. No matter what your current situation, you have a number of strength areas. These could be talents you have been given, skills you have acquired, expertise you have gained, experience you have lived or relationships you have built. Assess your strength areas and evolve your job or career serach from this basis of strength. You will feel more confident, be perceived as more capable and accelerate your chances for success.

Accept the process. Job or career search (or finding the next client) is not an activity, it’s a process. It is a never-ending story of sourcing new opportunities, making new contacts, exploring options and developing new and existing relationships. It could take as long as a year to find the right job, with right fit, with the right company. Make your job search your job, and go at it every day. Go at it with an enthusiasm and energy that befits your power and potential. That’s what employers are looking for more than anything else.

Work your network. Each of us has, irrespective of age, career path or culture, a network that is our most valuable asset. Make it your top priority to identify the individuals within your network who have the power and potential to influence your job or career search success. Focus on developing, nurturing and strengthening your relationships with these people, not just as a one-time exercise, but an an on-going strategy. Discover what they want or need, or are involved with, and make a contribution to their lives in this area. Keep doing this for the next 90 days. They will see you as a valuable resource and want to work on your behalf. Be ready when they ask how they can help.

Network, network network. There is a misconception that one’s network is the key to job or career search success. It is one key, not the only key. In fact, your network can have a detrimental effect on job search. Why? because these people know you (perhaps too well) and often only see you in the light of the past, limiting your potential to expand your horizons. Meeting new contacts activates the “Network Law of Strength in Weak Ties”, that allows new connections to see you in your current condition, accelerating the relationship, with its associated benfits and opportunities.

Stay the course. After an intial flurry of activity, there is a strong tendency is to sit back and wait for the few opportunities that arise to bear fruit. After all, these epeople did seem interested, resumes have been submitted, interviews are pending. Don’t allow your efforts to slow or stop. Your job or career search is as much about disqualification as qualification. Keep working, keep networking, keep investing until your job or career position is confirmed.

Separate search from self. One of the biggest hurtles in your quest will be to battle, and overcome, the intermittent bouts of disillusion, despair and discouragement, that can arise when you least expect it. Develop the discipline of separating your job or career search from your sense of self. Do not, under any circumstances, allow yourself to take the current situation as a personal issue. The one sure-fire tactic to deal with this issue head-on is taking some form of action: a call to a helpful colleague, an internet search for a new contact, firming up a commitment to attend an event. Action is the sure way to beat the job search blahs.

Build a success diary. Every day allows you to move forward. Each includes one opportunity for action that adds to your success meter. Keep a written log of the positive outcomes that are part of your job or career search. You will amazed at the number of different ways you grow, learn, experience and mature. Use these items as foder to fight the negative emotions that lie below the surface.

Job search success secret. As a last entry, I want share the most powerful strategy I have discovered to create success in my personal and professional job search. The one tactic that had delivered more than I ever expected is simple, yet not easy. I strive to contribute to the life of every person I meet.  In this way, I work contrary to the way our society operates and make others see me differently, as a valuable resource. They are then open to being helpful to me, often in ways I never anticipated or expected. So rather than managing the process with the expectation that other person will help you why not take the position that you will be helpful to them? Make a tangible contribution to their life, sincerely and unselfishly. Then watch the results. You will be amazed.

I’d love to see any ideas or insights you might have about this, or respond to any questions you might have.

I’ve been away at a four-day Conference so the writing hasn’t had the frequency I wanted. I’m trying to get in at least an hour a day. It’s tough keeping my focus and I have to push myself to get started some days, but I’m committed to moving this forward.

I’m still fuzzy on the specific content detail, but I keep coming back to three main content areas, so I’m working on whichever one feels right on a particular day. Yesterday I was able to apply myself for a couple of hours and it felt good.

I’m hoping that, now that things are winding down as the holidays approach, I’ll be able to invest more time and effort in this project. It’s still feeling unfocused, but I’m going to stay with it until the fog clears.

So my update is really same-old, same-old, yet as I think about it, last week I didn’t even think I had content areas to zero in one. So maybe I have made some headway.

until next week.

On Monday of this week I had one of the weirdest experiences ever. I met with a contact to research an upcoming client program. The company is a retail enterprise, so I wanted to establish my strong background in this market.

My contact was about my age, maybe a few years older. One of my first statements mentioned that I had extensive retail background and that, in fact, my dad had worked for a local retail chain, mentioning it by name. I have no reason to explain why I said this, other than a little voice in my head prompted me to.

My contact asked me to tell him my name again, and then asked what my father’s first name was. He sat back as if hit by a Mack truck. Then he said ” I don’t believe it.”. Then, he shook his head, and said it again.

Turns out he worked for, and with my dad, for a number of years. We spent the next half-hour reminiscing about his years with this firm and his many memories of my dad. You see, my father was one of his favorite people, his mentor, to use his words.

I listened intently, hearing the affection, the love and the respect my conversation partner had for my father, and he repeatedly stated the impact dad had had in his life. It brought back many memories and confirmed dad’s legacy. He was a good man.

After some time, my contact mentioned we should get down to business, so we had a brief discussion about my presentation and the audience I would be speaking to. For some reason neither of us had the enthusiasm about this topic we had earlier.

Driving home, I couldn’t help but smile at how our conversation had immediately centered on my comment about an obscure, now-extinct retail chain that acted as a catalyst for a powerful emotional experience.

It was almost as if an invisible voice had whispered in my ear. Thanks dad. You are remembered.

Dr Gnu.