A Hidden Job Market Networking Strategy - How to Meet People You Don't Yet Know

I have often identified people with whom I wanted to network by reading about them in an article, hearing them speak at a meeting or on TV, reading their book or blog. I look for thought leaders on Twitter, and follow them for a while to see if they are someone with whom I should try to connect.

You may have read an article or a blog post about someone who would be a great connection for you. You may want to talk to CFOs or CEOs or HR VPs at any mid-sized consumer technology company, for example. You may want to talk to the author of an article or a book who could be helpful to you. You may have heard a speaker or panelist with whom you would like to connect.

List all of these people. You can do some internet research to find these people and start to learn about them.

What do you share with them?
There are a variety of ways to create a connection to the people you would like to meet. Start with searching for their profile on Linkedin to see what connections you may share with this person. You may know someone right now who can connect you to one of these people. You may have gone to the same school they did, or support their favorite charity or share their love for a particular sport.

Now what?
Sometimes the next step is a little intimidating and daunting. You may be thinking: I don't have any way to connect with these people and why would they spend time with me and how would I ever be able to be of assistance to them. Good questions, but don't let them stop you. You never know the answers to these questions until you get started.

I usually call these people directly, saying where I read or heard about them and what it was about what they said that compelled me to contact them. Of course, as a recruiter, it's my instinct to pick up the phone when I want to connect with people. You may have a different strategy, but ultimately voice to voice is the best way to connect and build a networking relationship. Your creativity, enthusiasm and honesty are ultimately the most important.

I ask them for a few minutes of their time, being specific about what I want to know or the assistance I'd like to ask of them. Frankly, I think if you operate with creativity, enthusiasm, and honesty, the rules aren't as important.

Everyone loves to hear their opinion is valued.
Once you connect with people, you will be amazed at how willingly most will share their time and expertise. Wouldn't you spend some time with someone smart enough to ask for your advice? I thought so. You will find that most people you meet are just as willing to share.

So start making your list now and include anyone anywhere you would like to have a chance to talk to. With a little planning, it just might happen a lot faster and easier than you might think.

Admitting to being the original reluctant networker, Katherine Moody would do almost anything, including hiding out in the ladies room, to avoid a networking event. So she interviewed some networking masters to learn their simple and rarely discussed secrets. Then she went on to get her last 4 jobs by networking her way into the hidden job market with those simple secrets. Katherine shares those insider techniques on her job secrets blog. http://hrjobsearchsecrets.com While there, get her free report: How to create a memorable brand for your networking. You'll love what it does for your networking!

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