As far back as I can remember, teachers in my business classes (at least the teachers that were good ...and every student reading this would agree some teachers are "questionably qualified" for their jobs) would always say that networking is sooooo important.
Throughout my BBA at Moncton University, my networking effort was, *cough*, limited. Why would I waste my time talking to some old, random guys about their businesses? What in the world could that actually give me? The answer: it can literally give you every advantage in the world!
Let me tell you something: The very first thing, and the most useful thing I learned through my experience as an MBA student at Laval University (and especially within the Missions commerciales de l'Université Laval organization) is the importance and the benefits that come from proper networking efforts. Since my un-intended return to Moncton back in September, my networking efforts have gone up by 100%, and the outcome is insanely positive. What kind of benefits am I seeing in such a short period of time? Multiple job offers, numerous invitations to "invitation only" networking events [like the Rolls Royce of the networking world ...sounded cooler in my head] and so many new contacts in every corner of every industry that's present all over the Province.
When I see young business students waste their time sleeping, partying, watching TV and "studying", I feel like kicking them in the *ss, tell them to get out there, learn about the "old guys'" experiences and develop their network.
Again, that would be me being a hypocrite since I've never done it back then. But why shouldn't I help them avoid the mistakes I've made? Well, here's me taking a shot at it: GO NETWORK !!!!!
Why should I go to networking events? Why is it so important?
Gain knowledge in random industriesListen, we all have preferences in life, and we all dream of working for the NFL's marketing department, or as a photographer for Playboy magazine,but let's be honest: for the average guy, that (unfortunately) won't happen. So why not learn about everything else in life? At such a young age, your brain is like a sponge. Use it at the fullest of its capacities.
I've worked in so many random industries - from a sports equipment salesman, to forestry, going through transportation facilitators for children with limited mobility, selling trailers and working for the government [a little self-advertisement here: check out my full profile: LinkedIn or my personal website]. Some of the industries, I didn't like as much as the next. But guess what - there is no such thing as learning something useless!
I like to know plenty of random facts, and guess what: it's GOLD in a job interview! When someone talks about their company, and you have absolutely no idea what he's talking about, don't avoid the subject - he is the most important resource you could possibly have! ACTIVELY listen to their story, get their business card, and never shy away from telling them your story of why you're so gosh darn great and anyone who hires you will be beyond happy that they took a chance on a young graduate. And hey, you never know when you'll need someone who's a molecular biologist or a storage bin manufacturer!
Build your network (aka GET A JOB)
In case you haven't noticed, the job market is tough. Nobody can get a job out of college and/or university, and it's impossible to get a good job.
FALSE
First of all, you're a recent grad - you don't get a good job, you get a first job!
Secondly, the job market isn't that tough. People just don't know how to find a job. Sitting at home behind your computer, looking at Kijiji ads and listings on Monster.com won't get you very far in life.
Stop being lazy, and make a name for yourself. Sending a Resume through an info@company.com address won't get you very far. Everybody is able to sell themselves better in person than on a piece of paper. And guess what - networking events are filled with company CEOs, HR personnel and management-level employees. They are literally sitting there, waiting for you to come over and sell yourself. And guess what - if you listened to what the storage bin manufacturer said, you can impress the production manager from the filling cabinet production plant!
[Side note: I hear so many of my friends complain that they're struggling to land that great job, their career starter. Don't wait for that job, you're ruining your self-brand by adding a huge gap between your graduation date and God-knows-when you'll actually get that perfect job that is impossible to get. Anyone who's ever asked me, I've given them the same advice: apply everywhere for 2 weeks. Take in the job offers, and take the best that is currently available. You'll work, make money, and gain experience. How often do you hear "I'm sorry sir, you don't have enough experience for this position"? Guess what: That first "shitty" job will get you that experience. So stop waiting for a perfect job to fall on your lap, put some working boots on, and go work for what you want!]
The most important thing out of all of this is that everyone you meet, if you make a good impression, WILL remember you! I've met some businessman who I see once every couple of years, and they always remember my name. So when his friend, the owner of the company across the road, is looking for a consultant, guess who's going to pop up in his mind - MOI.
Make friends - the good type!
Listen, we all have the beer-chugging, party animal, no sleep required friends from university. And guess what: if you want to make a career out of your 7 years at university and your $60,000 student debt, you need to get rid of them. Maybe that's harsh, let's try that again: you need to see them in moderation, and in a non-public setting. Better?
Don't get me wrong, I love my friends, but at a certain point in life, everything around you becomes a part of your image and your self-brand. So getting tagged in a Facebook picture with 6 shirtless guys (with 2 of them having questionable stains on their pants) and a keg with 13 empty beer cans and a bong next to you probably won't impress the client you're trying to close a deal with or the owner of the financial planning institute down the road.
Enjoy your youth - I've done more than my share of partying, and I think most people who've I've met throughout my university life would agree I would rarely shy away from a beer or two. But know when you need to transition into the "real" life. I see too many graduate that don't grasp this concept quickly enough and burn down bridges. The business community is small and trust me, EVERYONE talks. So put your best foot forward every time you meet someone because you never know who he knows that might know a guy who knows the HR person at that company that could use a professional, smart, handsome young graduate!
Take the opportunity to also speak with the younger crowd at these networking functions. Chances are they are in the same shoes as you, looking for a break into the real world and hoping to build a company and rule the world in the next 5 years (ambition, gotta love it!). No matter what their education background, you never know where they'll be in 10 years from now. Make sure you're on their good side, before they become a big-shot lawyer or a buyer for one of your clients! Plus, spending time with young minds that are on the same wave-link as yours can lead to great friendships and perfect business partners down the road!
Where do I find these epic networking events?
Now that you see why you NEED to be networking, it gets interesting. So many choices...In case you didn't know, most cities have a Chamber of Commerce (for my friends in Moncton and Quebec) which is a great place to start. They'll have their usual events (morning networking, After-5's, etc. ). These are all great, and should be a must for any business student or graduate, even after having found your first job (you have a bit of experience, so look for the break you've worked for to go from "first shitty job" to "career starter").
Something else that's a goldmine is training seminars. The Chamber of Commerce will offer some, while companies and government entities will also offer various sessions on a multitude of subjects. And guess who attend these training seminars - business people! If the networking at these events doesn't seem sufficient to go, you'll even learn something!
[Another little moment of in-blog advertisement: There's a great seminar coming to New-Brunswick at the end of March - NB Export Awareness for New Exporters, from March 24th to 28th. I will be one of the speakers, giving an introduction training session on Social Media Marketing. We're hitting all 5 "major" cities in NB. Learn more HERE or Register HERE!]
If you want to find a job in a specific field or industry, then go to industry-related activities. Trade shows are definitely the place to be, as everything from SMEs to large corporations, related associations and organizations will be present. Everyone in these events are key contacts, since they know everyone in the industry and can be such an enormous help to find the right opportunity for you.
Finally, networking can be done anywhere:
- In the airport or on the plane: This is actually a golden opportunity. Since many important businessman are impossible to get a hold of because they are always so busy, finding them waiting in an airport lounge is the perfect opportunity to talk to some busy people on their down-time. If you sit down next to someone on the plane, ask them about themselves. Ask about the book their reading, or discuss the issue of Canadian Business they're reading.
- In Starbucks: Find someone in a suit, reading the business section of the newspaper. Yes, he might sound annoyed that you're ruining his morning "caramel macchiato, venti, skim, extra shot, extra-hot, extra-whip, sugar-free" ritual, but as long as you're trying you might fall on the right person eventually, and that's worth a shot!"
- Gym: Everyone knows a healthy body is needed to keep the brain running! Find someone doing cardio and reading the business section of the newspaper or a business-related book and ask them about it.
- ...
Bottom line: If you're a business student, you need to get out there and network. You're life should revolve around networking, and you should treat everyone and anyone as potential bosses, clients, investors, references, associates, buyers, sellers, partners, suppliers, distributors, employees, shareholders or babysitters. Just don't wait too late to start!
PS: If you want to meet up for a coffee to talk, let me know. I'm always open to starting new relationships and grow my network... as long as you're paying!
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Pierre Babineau is an MBA graduate from Laval University. Currently working as an Industrial Marketing Advisor at FPInnovations, he has worked in Canada, USA, South Africa and India in numerous positions such as International Development Agent, Head of Trade Mission, Director of Internet Marketing and an Independent Consultant for various companies.
You can reach Pierre Babineau on Twitter, LinkedIn or on his personal website.
Follow @pierrebab
