January 2011 - Happy New Year

Editing, Proofreading & Resume
January 2011 Newsletter
from the desk of
Shelly Rosenberg
www.shellyrosenberg.com

Happy New Year

Happy New Year to you all. Best wishes for a happy, healthy and successful 2011. I would like to start the year off with a discussion about Networking.

Networking is a term that has become very popular in all areas of life especially in business and job seeking endeavors. But, how can networking help you? Networking is also worthwhile for the student, PhD candidate, Master’s degree candidate, author, website designer, technical writer, business executive, ESL (English as a Second Language) writer or student, and entrepreneur.

In this issue of my newsletter, I will be discussing networking−some tips, techniques and advantages.

Networking Events

There are an extraordinary number of events that are designed as strictly networking events. These tend to create high pressure situations and are often less productive than some alternatives.
Look for seminars or workshops that are held for other reasons than solely for networking. These are more low-key learning environments. Seek out seminars or workshops that feature speakers or sessions that address subjects that interest you. They will be attended by others who have similar interests.
Start conversations. Stretch yourself by reaching out to others. I recently heard a suggestion about starting conversations: If you observe someone looking at something (a centerpiece on a table, a clock, a photo, food at a buffet or a painting on a wall) begin a conversation about that item. At least you will have a starting point for your discussion.
Stay with a conversation. The purpose of networking is to make quality contacts. You want to create a productive relationship that might be mutually advantageous. If your conversation is going well, stay with it.
Ask questions – Listen attentively. You will learn much more by listening and asking questions than you will by doing all the talking. This technique also makes the other person feel comfortable and important to you.
Where to sit. If there are people you know at the event, make sure to sit with someone you do not know. If you sit with that friend or acquaintance, you probably will not get up and meet anyone else. And, that would defeat your main purpose of attending the event.
Seek out wallflowers. If you see someone standing or sitting alone, approach that person, instead of trying to break into a group of people having a conversation. Introduce yourself to that “wallflower” and begin a conversation. You might be surprised how much that person has to offer.
The buffet trick. If there is a buffet at the event, keep going back to the buffet. Put only three bites of food on your plate; then look for a table with someone (or some people) with whom you have not yet spoken. Introduce yourself, listen, begin a conversation or enter the existing conversation. Participate in the conversation for several minutes and eat your three bites. If you want to leave the conversation and find another, since your plate is empty, it would not look strange for you to excuse yourself, go to the buffet to get three more bites. Then find a new table (conversation).
Notes on cards. If you exchange cards with people, make notes on the back of the card. This way you will remember the person and the discussion for reference later.

Electronic Networking

There are numerous ways to network online. LinkedIn is one of the best sites for meeting people with similar professional interests. Join LinkedIn groups in your area of interest. Participate in discussions within those groups. Share your experiences and expertise.

Networking for the Student, PhD Candidate, Master’s Degree Candidate & ESL Student

Seek out alumni who have just completed the process you are in right now. They have probably experienced the same feelings, frustrations and questions that you are experiencing. They will most likely be eager to share their experiences and offer suggestions about what to avoid as well as what to look for. These people are valuable resources.

Seek out people who are successful in the field you are pursuing. Find successful people who are doing what you are hoping to be doing in a year or five years.
Networking for the Author,
Writer & Technical Writer

Network with people who are successful in the area in which you are working. Look for groups on Yahoo or LinkedIn that share your interests and concerns. Consider finding a “writing buddy” – someone with whom to share writing issues and your manuscripts.

Networking for the Business Executive & Entrepreneur

Use LinkedIn, company websites and groups to find professionals who might act as your mentor. People are flattered to be looked to as experts. They will probably be happy to join you for lunch or to converse via phone or email to discuss their experiences, failures and successes. Reach out to people in the areas in which you have interest or in which you are starting a business.

Even if you are successfully employed and happy with your job and success, networking can keep you and your ideas fresh. Learn from others what is new in the industry. Learn about the upcoming trends. Find the experts in the field. Join their networks.

Networking for the Job Seeker

You can send out hundreds of resumes and cover letters, answer every job posting, put your resume on all the job boards but in many cases you will still not be successful in being invited for an interview. Networking is a way to find people in positions that might be of help to you. These people can direct you to the hiring manager. Or, they might be the hiring manager.

Use LinkedIn. Post your profile there. Join groups and contribute to the conversations. Perhaps a hiring manager will be impressed with your responses. This could put your resume on the top of the heap. I personally know of people who were found by employers on LinkedIn. And, I know of people who reached out to professionals on LinkedIn and after careful and persistent communications, were hired as a result.


Networking – Final Comments

Try a combination of these networking techniques and make networking part of your life. Networking is also a way to build your social circle, add to your friendships, be exposed to new activities and keep you active and involved.

Perhaps the best aspect of networking is that you may have the opportunity to help someone else in his/her endeavor regarding work, finding a job, writing a book, writing a thesis, paper or dissertation or connecting with someone with similar interests.


“My goal is to enhance your text in a way that makes it clear and error free so that it is ready to be read by your professor, your readership, your clients, your future employer, your current employer, your agent or your publisher.”
Shelly Rosenberg

Shelly@ShellyRosenberg.com