Written by Jennifer McClure

Mastering the Art of Virtual Networking: 5 Steps to Build Powerful Connections Online

Remember back in the day, when the most common form of networking was to shove your business card in people’s faces at Happy Hour events or to offer to buy them a cup of coffee, so you could “pick their brain”?

Ewww.

Of course, that was never an effective way to build relationships, but in today’s digital world, gone are the days of forced interactions and awkward coffee meetings.

Today’s networking landscape is all about building genuine relationships and offering value.

So, how can you connect with new people and build relationships that matter in an increasingly digital-first world?

Focus on Giving, Not Getting:

Instead of collecting contacts, share your expertise and insights online. Engage in industry conversations, offer thoughtful comments, and participate in discussions happening in the comments section.

Be a source of value, and people will naturally be drawn to you.

Be a Social Butterfly, But Smarter:

LinkedIn and other online platforms can be goldmines. Share your expertise by actively participating in industry conversations, not just lurking! Like posts that resonate with you and comments that you feel add something of value.

Engaging in a meaningful way can prompt others engaged in the discussion to want to connect with you.

Be Intentional and Authentic:

Personalized messages go a long way. When reaching out to someone, mention something specific you admire about their work or a shared interest.

Show genuine interest in connecting, not just adding another number to your network.

Embrace Virtual Learning Opportunities:

Online events and webinars are goldmines for networking. Participate actively, ask insightful questions, and engage with others in breakout rooms or chat sessions.

Remember, it’s about quality interactions, not just quantity.

Follow Up and Keep in Touch:

Building connections takes time and effort. Follow up with people you meet online, continue the conversation, and offer your help or support whenever possible.

Remember, meaningful relationships are two-way streets.

Networking in the digital age is about authenticity, adding value, and building mutually beneficial relationships.

Focus on creating a network where support, knowledge exchange, and opportunities flow bi-directionally, and you’ll get much farther than a cup of coffee or a brain-picking would ever have gotten you before.

Written by Jennifer McClure

My Best Career Advice to Position Yourself for the Job You Want [Replay]

A career change is a huge thing that many of people are dealing with right now, whether they feel stuck in their current job or they just want to do something different that they enjoy.

But how do you position yourself for the job that you want?

As an employee, you’ve got to figure out how to get noticed to move your career ahead and make sure that you’re getting the interactions and developing the relationships that you need. That being said, networking and relationship-building is a two-way street. Leaders also need to figure out how to provide a safe space and environment for their people to connect, even in remote and hybrid environments.

In episode 92 of the Impact Makers podcast, I’m sharing a conversation that I had with Chris Villanueva when he invited me to be a guest on the Career Warrior podcast to chat about networking, relationship building, and how the changing world of work impacts both job seekers and human resources leaders.

Chris is the CEO & Co-Founder of Let’s Eat, Grandma, an online resume service that helps professionals rebrand themselves to land interviews for their dream jobs. Recently ranked by The Balance as the best resume service of 2022, Let’s Eat Grandma helps people during one of the most stressful areas of life – the job hunt. They’ve assisted over 7,000+ paying clients with their resumes, and hundreds of thousands more through their blog and the Career Warrior Podcast.

Topics Discussed In Today’s Episode:

The future of work, and what both job seekers and HR leaders should be paying attention to.
The skills that will be most in demand in the workplace of the future.
Will working virtually affect your career negatively, versus being present in an office?
Should job seekers try to negotiate remote work, if it’s not part of the job offer?
How to properly build relationships and networks when many people are working remotely and networking less.
How to position yourself for new opportunities when you’re interested in making a career change.
The worst things job seekers do with their resumes that annoy HR and hiring managers.

LISTEN TO IMPACT MAKERS PODCAST – EPISODE 92

Listen on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts or Spotify

People & Resources Mentioned In This episode:

Let’s Eat Grandma Career Warrior Podcast

Career Warrior Podcast #274 – The Future of Work for Job Seekers with Jennifer McClure

Let’s Eat Grandma | Best Resume Writing Service

Chris Villanueva LinkedIn

The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich by Tim Ferriss

Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook: How to Tell Your Story in a Noisy Social World by Gary Vaynerchuk

Julie Turney / HR@Heart Consulting Inc.

Personal Brand Workbook

Steve Browne

Written by Jennifer McClure

Intentional Networking Strategies for Introverts (And Extroverts!)

When you hear the word “networking”, or someone tells you that you need to “network”, what comes to mind?

In general, if you’re extroverted, or gain energy by interacting with people, then you may feel as excited about networking – as you would if someone invited you to a theme park with lots of rides and roller coasters. That’s assuming, of course, that you like theme parks and roller coasters. 🙂

If you’re more introverted, or prefer to avoid situations where you’re around a lot of people that you don’t know well, you may feel as excited as you would if someone invited you to go to the dentist’s office. Unless, or course, you like going to the dentist’s office… which probably means that you’re a relative of the dentist. Or you’re a masochist. (Hey, no judgement here.)

I know, those are generalizations, but I think I can safely say that most people – whether they’re introverts or extroverts – aren’t that great at networking… even if they love it, or think they’re good at it.

Why is that? Well, it’s because most people aren’t approaching networking in a strategic way, and considering it a skill and practice that’s critical for their personal and professional development.

But, I’ve got good news!

That doesn’t have to be you! Whether you love networking, hate it, or don’t know what it means to be good at it, I can help.

In this episode of the Impact Makers Podcast, I’m sharing why it’s important to Always Be Networking, as well as who you should choose to network with in order to get and give the most benefit, and how you can network like a pro – whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert.

I’ll also share ten awesome questions that you can ask to start great conversations at networking events – and make others think that you’re the most interesting person in the world. 🙂

10 Questions to Ask at Networking Events:

What brought you here today?
What has been your biggest takeaway thus far?
Who have you enjoyed meeting, or who would you suggest I connect with at this event?
What is the best book you’ve read recently? Or, what is your favorite podcast?
What was the biggest challenge that you faced in your job or career recently, and what did you do to solve it?
What is your favorite thing about the work you do, or where you work?
What do you do for fun outside of work?
What is the best piece of career advice that you’ve gotten – or that you’ve given?
What is the most exciting or interesting thing that you’re working on at the moment?
What other conferences or events do you attend, or get value from?

IMPACT MAKERS PODCAST – EPISODE 33

Show Highlights:

Why you need to view your networking strategy just like you do anything else that is important and adds value.
Why your mantra when you go to an event should be, “I’m going to be interested, and not worry about being interesting.”
How to be intentional about networking.
Ten awesome questions you can ask to start great conversations.
Understanding the value and need for investing in yourself.

More Info and Resources:

Impact Makers Episode 7 — How I Became A Speaker and Entrepreneur

Mike Lynch – President, Mike Lynch Career Consulting

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Thanks to King University, who’s support makes this podcast possible! King is proud to offer sixteen online degrees with accelerated programs and affordable tuition so you can start a new career faster than ever. You can choose from programs in technology, communication, and business – like an online MBA with six concentrations including human resource management. And because the program is offered fully online, you can earn your degree on your own schedule in as little as 16 months. Visit https://online.king.edu/impactmakers to learn more about the King Difference today.

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Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, and if you go through them to make a purchase I’ll earn a commission. Keep in mind that I only link to products or companies because of their quality, or my personal experience with them, and not because of any commissions I receive from your purchases.

Written by Jennifer McClure

Interested In Career Growth? Let’s Chat! #VZWHRChat

Do you currently have a job – or a career? Chances are, you have some version of both, or you’re aspiring to claim them.

Unfortunately, most of us only think about our careers when we’re looking for a J-O-B, but the smart ones (that’s you) know that nurturing a career is an ongoing activity.

One aspect of managing your career is maintaining an attitude of continuous learning. Reading articles, blogs and news related to your industry and your profession will always be helpful – and so is networking and connecting with business leaders, industry experts, and fellow career navigators to learn from and help each other.

I’m excited about co-hosting one such learning and networking opportunity next week on April 22, 2014 from 12:00pm – 1:00pm ET, and I’d like to invite you to join me!

I’ll be partnering with several HR and Recruiting leaders, job seekers and seasoned career professionals for #VZWHRChat on Twitter.

This Twitter chat is the first in a #VZWHRchat series, where the team from Verizon will be partnering with HR experts across the Midwest to host various Twitter chats related to finding a job that’s more than a job – it’s a career.

Why is the team at Verizon coordinating these Twitter chats?

Because they’re convinced that by sharing information and helping professionals to grow in their careers, a few sharp-minded, solution-oriented folks might be interested in joining their team. They’re growing – and growth fuels careers.

However, you don’t have to be interested in a career with any specific company to receive value from joining in. During the hour-long Twitter chat, we’ll be discussing the following:

During an interview, what should you ask to determine growth opportunities at the company?
Once you start the job, what critical steps should you take to advance your career?
What are examples of career development programs/training that prepare employees for individual success?
You’ve been in the same position for years and haven’t been promoted. What should you do?
What should you avoid doing that could hinder your ability to grow with your company?
What lessons have you learned working for (or with, on the HR side) companies that both provide/don’t provide opportunities to advance?

So drop in on April 22, 2014 and chat with us from 12:00pm – 1:00pm ET!

Answer questions, ask questions, share your experiences – and help others. It’s an open event, so please invite anyone that you think may benefit or have something to add to the discussion. (If you’re new to Twitter chats, there are useful tools like TweetChat.com that can make following live chats easier.)

I hope to see you on April 22nd! I’d love to hear from you!

Be sure to visit the Verizon Job Center to learn more about career opportunities with Verizon your area.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have received compensation from Verizon to partner with them on this initiative. Regardless, I only recommend products or services that I believe will add value to my readers. For real.

Written by Jennifer McClure

Celebrating Twitter As A Business Communication Tool

Recently, I passed 10,000 Followers on Twitter…

I’m still waiting on my pony.

“Twitter officials” have informed me that I have not yet reached the Follower count at which ponies are granted. Boo.

But I still can’t quit you Twitter. Let me count some of the reasons why I love you.

Twitter is a great source of business opportunities

Because of my presence on Twitter, I’ve gotten speaking engagements, consulting opportunities, candidate referrals, coaching clients and interviews with major publications. It’s not uncommon for me to get a Direct Message, an email or phone call that starts with “I follow you on Twitter and we have a need for ___ (something I do) and I thought of you.” While not all of those contacts result in paying clients, a good portion of them have. Enough to classify Twitter as a solid business development channel for me. Win!

Twitter is a great source of referral opportunities

As a Connector, I’m always on the lookout for opportunities to help or to refer someone. Because Twitter is a place where people network, ask questions or mention needs, I’ve spotted a number of opportunities in the last three years where I’ve been able to introduce one of my contacts – which resulted in new clients or new jobs for them. “Social networking” works the same way old-fashioned networking does. It’s about building relationships and connecting people!

Solid professional relationships & friendships developed in 140 characters

Twitter has provided me the opportunity to build relationships with top recruiting and HR leaders that I likely would have never come in contact with in the past. For example, I interviewed China Gorman – former COO & Chief Global Membership Engagement Officer at SHRM while at a conference, where she shared her perspectives on being a business leader in HR. I asked Chris Hoyt – Talent Engagement & Marketing Leader at PepsiCo – if I could get his advice on some work I was doing with a client and he graciously shared an amazing amount of information with me via a phone call. I had dinner and a great conversation across the pond in the United Kingdom with Arie Ball – VP of Talent Acquisition at Sodexo, where she shared more about the Sodexo story and we found that we have much in common. These conversations only happened because I initially “met” all of these folks – and many more – on Twitter. (Follow them on Twitter at @ChinaGorman, @TheRecruiterGuy & @Arie_Ball.)

Twitter doesn’t take that much time – if you manage your time

I’ll be the first to admit that Twitter can be a time suck, but so can the internet, people in the office, clients, email, etc. I’ve had to develop systems for managing these other types of distractions throughout my career and I have to manage Twitter’s influence on my day as well. For example, I log out of Twitter while working on projects and rarely tweet on weekends or in the evenings. I’m in constant communication mode during most of my workday and as an Introvert, I need time away from the “noise” to recharge. Thanks to the saved searches that I’ve set up, I don’t miss tweets or conversations that I want to be a part of that took place while I wasn’t logged on.

The right tools make Twitter use easier

I’m a big Fan of TweetDeck, because it allows me to create groups and save searches so I don’t miss mentions or replies involving any of the Twitter accounts that I manage. I currently manage my own account – @JenniferMcClure, one for my business – @UnbridledTalent, one for my LinkedIn Group – @LinkCincinnati and I’m one of the tweeters behind my local HR association’s account – @GCHRACincinnati. TweetDeck also allows me to schedule tweets, so if I read a blog post or article late at night or want to share it on more than one of my accounts, I can schedule the tweets throughout the workday rather than all at the same time.

The love story continues…

I joined Twitter on March 26, 2008 after reading a blog post from Jim Stroud commenting that there were only 85 Recruiters on Twitter. At that time, like many people today, I didn’t understand the concept or really have an interest in joining, but I did want to keep evolving as a recruiter and a business person, so I decided to try to figure out how to utilize it to develop business, build relationships and recruit talent. Nearly three year later, I’m marking that experiment as a success!

Thanks Twitter for all of the entertainment, information, business deals, relationships and friendships!

Twitter Member #14,221,435 aka @JenniferMcClure

But don’t forget, I still want one of these.

Image Credit: Shetland Pony by suvodeb

Mastering the Art of Virtual Networking: 5 Steps to Build Powerful Connections Online

So, how can you connect with new people and build relationships that matter in an increasingly digital-first world?