Engineering a Network

The fact that you’re reading this post on the jobs board means that you’re either (1) in need of a job or (2) not happy with the job you’re currently holding.  Whichever reason, your movement to a new position won’t happen through inaction.  It also won’t happen without tapping into a network.  Depending on which study you decide to reference, professional positions are filled by referrals 40 to 60 percent of the time.  That means that you have roughly a 1 in 2 chance of landing the dream job you’re seeking.  I don’t know about you, but those odds aren’t good enough for me when it comes to furthering my professional goals or, more importantly, achieving what I know I’m capable of providing. 

The remedy?  Build a network.

Building a network is a daunting task if you’ve never given thought or energy to doing it.  It’s even more intimidating when you’re forced into a position of needing to rely on a network and you find that you don’t have one.  If you’re just starting out in the network-building business, the best way to approach it is the same way you approach an engineering design; through a plan.

Identify the type of people you wish to connect with and why.   What information are you seeking?   What new job or position do you desire?  Why are looking for this information and, ultimately, connection?  With these basics you can begin finding people using the standard Google and LinkedIn to find people who have the background and knowledge you require.   Think it doesn’t work?  It does.  I needed to connect with leaders in non-governmental organizations to develop a network that would ultimately lead to collaborative work (aka business) with my just-starting firm.  Relying on the web, I was able to find and ultimately contact the right people and start the process of developing a relationship.  It took time, it took effort, but the results were worth it.

Building a network doesn’t require you to be an extrovert.  In fact, building a network of value requires you to be more of an introvert and chose your contacts deliberately.  Having lots of contacts is one thing, but rarely does quantity overcome quality.  A quality network will win out every time.

“Networking is simply the cultivating of mutually beneficial, give and take, win-win relationships. It works best, however, when emphasizing the ‘give’ part.”  Bob Burg

Christian Knutson, P.E., PMP is a leader, civil engineer, and author.  He’s an accomplished professional specializing in A/E/C work internationally and author of The Engineer Leader, a recognized blog on leadership and life success for engineers and professionals.