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August 3, 2011
Network Like A Man
More companies are hiring this year than last. When you’re between jobs or looking for a career change, attending networking events may be key to finding your next great gig.
But all that hand shaking, business card distributing and following up without a solid lead or prospect can be exhausting – and discouraging.
Worry not! The key to getting the most out of your next meet and greet may be as simple as sliding into your pumps and carrying yourself ‘like a man.’ How so?
“Don’t be afraid to be assertive,” certified career coach Hallie Crawford tells PINK. “Walk right up to people and get down to the business of why you’re there and what you’re looking for.”
While women often chat about personal stuff, men tend to get right down to it. Crawford adds men share less personal information and aren’t afraid to join in on existing conversations.
She advises women get comfortable ending conversations once they’ve gotten what they want out of them. It’s not about being rude, she explains, but about time management, which is key when working the room. And don’t forget to promote yourself. According to Crawford, too many women have a bad habit of downplaying their skills.
Experts say it’s good to leverage those innate female skills your male counterparts may not be as strong in: like attention to detail, multi-tasking and etiquette expertise.
Bonus PINK Link: Now that you know how to network like a man, here’s how to get mentored like one.
By Holly Clay
"If you want anything said, ask a man; if you want
anything done, ask a woman." Margaret Thatcher
*Supporting images from FreeDigitalPhotos.net, Sujin Jetkasettakorn, Ambro and renjith krishnan
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Comments
Network like a man...
To sharpen your skills... interview for a job (even if your are really not interested in that job)
Interviews sharpen your skills to network.
Network like a man? I think not!!!
As the author of Fast Track Networking, Turning Conversations Into Contacts as well as an expert on the subject of networking- there are definitely differences between the way women network and men network- but that doesn't mean that women should network like men! Why wouldn't it be the other way around??? Women tend to spend more time on the relationship portion of a networking exchange- getting to know the person, understanding who they are and what they need, and creating a bond. I've never seen an article titled "Network Like A Woman", yet---- in all aspects of networking, women tend to be much better at it in the long run! We have been taught since we are very young to SHARE- that sharing is good. that when we share, people like us- and what is networking? Sharing! In terms of being assertive and getting down to business "like a man"- in a networking relationship, that often comes across as "Salesy"
Should women be assertive in their networking efforts when it comes to creating the mutually beneficial working relationships they need to be successful? Absolutely! Should women practice asking for what they want if they have a difficult time? For sure! Should women create and follow a networking plan much like their marketing plan? Of course!
But.... The LAST thing this world needs women trying to act like men. Isn't the world messed up enough as it is?
Lucy Rosen, President, SmartMarketing Communications Inc.
Author, Fast Track Networking Turning Conversations Into Contacts
Founder, Women on The Fast Track