Successful Networking - Give and Take

Written by Rebecca Metschke Jun 07, 2009 www.jobsarticle.com

The smart person pays attention to her professional contacts on an ongoing basis. Whether the economy is soaring or in recession, whether she's progressing quickly up the ladder or facing a temporary setback, whether she's just starting her professional career or has been in the workforce for years - she's mindful of her network and intent on adding to it.

Not everyone is this conscientious.

When times are tough, those who've neglected their network over the years have a tendency to "get religion" and focus with renewed zeal on their circle of extended friends and associates - and what they can do to expand it.

Better late than never.

Some people are better networkers than others. They recognize these relationships as such. Relationships. These are people - not simply tools or means to an end.

If you want to get the most out of your network, provide something in return. And the providing part should come first wherever possible.

Give and take.

Everybody is familiar with that phrase. Apply it to networking.

And while you're at it, remember it's not "take - and give." Nor is it "take - and then take some more."

No, the order is clear. No complicated owner's manual is necessary to understand this one. First, you give. This sets the table for the other half of the equation.

That means you stay in touch with your connections. Without asking for anything in return. Maybe you send an unsolicited email just to say hello and find out what's new. Or you place a phone call, or (if you live in the same city) you try to get together for an occasional lunch. If you see an article that another person might find useful, you send it along.

Conversely, you respect people's time.

You don't pester others. You don't call every Tuesday morning like clockwork and talk Scott's ear off, simply because "Tuesday is my day to check in." You remember it's not all about you. You show that you're genuinely interested in the other person.

You think about how you can help those in your network. Maybe you can facilitate an introduction that would be beneficial to one or both people. Maybe one person you know is looking for work and another could be a good source of leads or information in that industry. Maybe someone is contemplating a job opportunity in Denver; you introduce her to a friend based there who can help connect her to a great realtor.

Give and take.

And by all means, when you do ask for a favor, or someone offers you some type of assistance, don't forget to thank them. Then find out if there's something you can do in return.

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Networking - Who You Don't Know

Written by Rebecca Metschke Jun 07, 2009 www.jobsarticle.com

Your network is extremely valuable; there's a good chance you're going to find your next job through the people you know.

Every contact with another person is a potential networking opportunity...and I'm not just talking about business functions or industry events. People you see at the gym, other parents from your child's school, people at church, somebody you run into at the deli, the person who cuts your hair, the people at the wedding reception you'll be attending this weekend...you never know where that golden lead is going to come from.

The smart job seeker is always working to increase his or her network.

And the smartest job seekers? They're looking to accomplish that goal just a little bit differently from the way the majority of the crowd seeks to do so.

They're thinking in terms of people they don't know.

They consider who they'd like to know...who they need to know...and then figure out how to meet these people. The contacts who end up in their network aren't random...they're targeted. Their "wish list" might include specific names but initially it's also likely be a little more generic and include companies or sectors.

For example, Company ABC may be on Meg's list of employers for whom she'd like to work - so she makes it a point to figure out how to meet people who work there. She may not know yet who specifically makes the most sense to connect with, but she knows she needs to find a way to network inside. She starts generically at first; then she can drill down.

She also targets professional organizations, conferences, and other events where she'll have a good chance to meet people on her target list.

Now, this isn't to say that "random" additions to your network are a negative. Many people whom you meet "out of the blue" turn out to be extremely valuable connections. Still, if you approach networking strategically, you'll be able to benefit that much more from your efforts.

Start thinking about who you don't know - and take it from there.

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5 Reasons Why Wearing a Proper Uniform is Important

Written by Gen Wright Jun 07, 2009 www.jobsarticle.com

According to Wikipedia, a uniform means a set of standard clothing worn by members of an organization while participating in that organization's activity. People generally wearing uniforms are armed forces, police, emergency services, schools and workplaces. Uniform also means to be the same, and without any difference.

With these basic ideas in mind the concept of having a common dress came in to picture. If the dress of the members of an organization remains the same then there is a sense on commonality which develops amongst them. Uniforms also depict solidarity, and this has been this way through out, right from the days of the Roman Empire to the modern day manufacturing houses.

These days wearing uniform is common with the paramilitary organizations like police etc and the armed forces. These help them, stand out of the crowd so that they can be easily recognizable and also distinguish them for the service they do. These uniforms not only make them feel proud but also have an imposing effect on others and with the presence of a person in uniform, can change the mood of people around.

Sometimes uniforms are made mandatory by the organizations like schools, work places like hospitals, restaurants etc. The model of these organization require, people who are part of it to be in proper uniform and follow the discipline of the uniform. Some organizations which don't have a complete dress code do have some sort of uniform codes like a common shirt of a particular color etc.

So why is it that most of the organizations prefer uniforms? Here are five reasons which make uniform an integral part of work culture and also the lifestyle at times.

1. Industry demands: There are certain service industries which are focused on the customer, like the department store, restaurants or hospitals. These industries demand that the workforce look more united and eager to serve the customer, so the role of the uniform becomes very important. When the workforce is wearing a pleasant uniform the customers approach them more confidently.

2. Uniform as perks: In some large organizations, it is considered as an honor and a kind of perk to receive uniform. This results in considerable conservation of time and energy of the personnel, as he doesn't have to choose again and again the clothes to be worn at the work place. Also a lot of money is saved since rarely will that personnel will be buying new clothes.

3. A sense of belonging: If the work force wears the same clothes to the work place then they share a feeling of commonness and belonging, which other wise gets very difficult to achieve.

4. A feeling of equality: Uniform brings every one to the same platform, no matter how rich or poor he or she is and thus inculcating a feeling of equality amongst those wearing the uniform.

5. Mutual growth: People wearing uniform are more caring for their fellows and colleagues, they care not only for their growth but the growth of their peers as well.

Uniforms are very important and fosters traits which are very necessary for a person as an individual and an organization as a whole to thrive and prosper.

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