Monday, January 07, 2008
Why We Should All Be "Out to Lunch"
Last January I broke down and accepted a lunch invitation. I never used to go to lunch. I was always far too busy in my own little world or sometimes it was the weather. To this day I'm not sure why this particular recruiter succeeded in prying me from behind my desk. I never could have guessed what would happen next.
It seems that Chris Gardner, the recruiter that bought my salad, took folks to lunch often. He had a list and he had a mission, professional networking groups. Today I belong to Executive Recruiters Exchange and Corporate Recruiters Exchange, two active groups that actively share both candidates and job opportunities. Each group meets for lunch on a monthly basis and those of us who have formed special alliances meet on Fridays once in awhile.
No matter what your job or industry, building your network requires that you "go to lunch." In fact the best idea is that you be the one to extend the invitation. People who only start networking when they are in need of contacts and help often lack the authenticity that is so critical to building a viable network. They also lack time to harvest the fruits of their efforts.
Networking is a process, not a special event. But once in tact, it is one of the most powerful tools you can use to connect. Last week was the first week of 2008 and I received lots of invitations for lunch. I'll get back to you with the results.
It seems that Chris Gardner, the recruiter that bought my salad, took folks to lunch often. He had a list and he had a mission, professional networking groups. Today I belong to Executive Recruiters Exchange and Corporate Recruiters Exchange, two active groups that actively share both candidates and job opportunities. Each group meets for lunch on a monthly basis and those of us who have formed special alliances meet on Fridays once in awhile.
No matter what your job or industry, building your network requires that you "go to lunch." In fact the best idea is that you be the one to extend the invitation. People who only start networking when they are in need of contacts and help often lack the authenticity that is so critical to building a viable network. They also lack time to harvest the fruits of their efforts.
Networking is a process, not a special event. But once in tact, it is one of the most powerful tools you can use to connect. Last week was the first week of 2008 and I received lots of invitations for lunch. I'll get back to you with the results.
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It's amazing how much you can accomplish by asking someone to lunch. Too often, we go into a lunch appointment with a "me first" agenda. That's just human nature. But if you can enter into a relationship with the intent to HELP and GIVE first, the need to reciprocate can create great results. The meeting between Janice and I continues to pay dividends that are mutually beneficial!
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