Six simple steps to build your network through ex-colleagues
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You’ve
been in the same company for five years and you’ve seen many colleagues come and
go - a few of which, it’s great to see, have moved on to pastures that look
gratifyingly green compared to your own workspace. Unfortunately, that
relationship has now run its course, so how do you make contact again and
ultimately create new connections in organisations you want to be part of? Here
are some simple yet essential ‘do’s and don’ts’.
-
Don’t try to pretend to be friends.
<br>Don’t contact this person through facebook or pick their
number out of your mobile contacts to say ‘Hi, How are you? We must meet up
for drinks and have a catch up?’ Once the real reason for making contact
becomes apparent it will just seem contrived and they will be less likely to
help you out.
Send an email stating professionally that you are looking at moving on in
your career and would like to explore your options at Big Cheese Accountants
Ltd. Give an overview of the skills you’ve developed since you last spoke and
how they will benefit the organisation
-
Don’t expect to be given the world at your feet
Expect nothing. This contact may not be able to help you at
all. Remember to be polite and then ask them for a drink whatever the outcome,
you never know they might be able to help you in the future.
Almost certainly one of your contacts will be of interest to
your new network contact, be it your friend who needs their professional
services, to your sister who can cater at their wedding.
If your contact does come through don’t call them up every
five minutes. If you have some questions to ask jot them down and arrange to
meet face to face. This way you can build a relationship and get a greater
understanding of the culture you are looking to enter.
-
Do take whatever help is given
If all you are given is a name and an email address then
exhaust this route first. If it works out then give your contact a call and
thank them. If it doesn’t? Call to thank them anyway.
Finally,
don’t forget to add your contact to your little black book (or little
blackberry). You never know when this contact may be of value in the future, and
you may have just rekindled a friendship.
About the Author
Personal Career Solutions have been operating in the career
management and
outplacement field for over a decade and can provide professional input
into your career to make sure you are on the right
road. To meet with a consultant for a free, no obligation appraisal
please visit
www.personalcareersolutions.co.uk
or call 0844 880 6690 to speak to a representative.
Follow us @Scopulus_News
Article Published/Sorted/Amended on Scopulus 2010-10-07 13:35:30 in Marketing Articles
