Network your way into a better job this Christmas

Industry festivities are all about networking yourself into a better job, reports Fiona Smith.

The industry Christmas event: a time to let your hair down and party? Uh, no. Apparently, the December get-together is now all about scoring a bigger and better job.

We are all becoming "career flirts", heading out under the guise of representing our employer - but really scoping out opportunities for ourselves.

"This is a great time to do it," says the national retail practice manager for recruiter Talent2, Geoff Whytcross.

At a party, you can look for job opportunities without being obvious.

"You can almost do it in front of your own boss," he says.

To get the art of job networking right, you have to use a little sophistication. The blatant: "I've always wanted to work for your company" is regarded as bad form at a social event.

Whytcross says the smart operators find out something about the company and express an appreciative interest. It might be that you show some knowledge of one of their new clients or admire the way a particular division works.

That way, you appear to know what you are talking about, without seeming desperate.

Networking is also about being noticed and remembered.

A 26-year-old American has built a whole career on promoting by name tags, publishing three books, and getting on the speakers circuit.

Scott Ginsberg discovered the power of the name tag when he attended a function at his university.

He and a friend decided, as a joke, to leave them on that evening and noticed that people were attracted to them. About 20 people approached him or struck up conversations.

About a year later, Ginsberg decided to wear a name tag every day and now is on his fifth year of being a walking billboard for himself. So committed is he to the idea, last year he had his name tag tattooed onto his chest so he didn't have to be nameless in the swimming pool.

"The name tags break down barriers and encourage people to approach and initiate conversations that otherwise would never have taken place," he says.

There are a few rules to remember when making your name tag an effective self-promotional tool. First, use a tag with a white background, no clutter, and write your name in large letters with black or blue lettering.

Ginsberg just uses his first name, but suggests people can use their full name and company name.

He also suggests people place the tag above their breastbone and on the right shoulder, so that it is clearly visible when you shake hands.

There are good magnetic tags around, but Ginsberg favours the clip-on tags and also the lanyards that hang around your neck.

He advises people to slip a business card into the back of the lanyard name tag so your identity is still visible, even if it turns around.

Once you have the name tag right, make sure you have the business cards to back it up or you won't get that follow-up call.

Image consultant Helen Robinett of Image Quest says it is important to look approachable. That means putting a smile on your face and making sure you are well groomed.

Trying to look haughty and important is hopeless for networking.

"I think it takes as little as three seconds to make a good first impression; we live in a highly visual world," she says.

Women should take care not to show too much skin - it looks unprofessional.

At a Christmas party, men might like to lose the tie. A good suit, white shirt, cufflinks (with only French or double cuffs please) and polished shoes give the impression you are promotion material, she says.

While women generally do not need to be told how much to spend on work clothes, Robinett suggests men in the finance industry should not spend less than $700, while accountants can get away with a suit for less than $500.

Career coach Annemarie Cross says the way you describe your job can have a big impact in conversation.

"Saying 'I'm an investment broker' doesn't lead very far. But saying you maximise people's investments and quadrupled one client's portfolio last year - and he is now sailing on the Mediterranean - don't you think they will find that interesting?," she says.

It also helps to gather business cards and make notes on what the people are interested in, just in case you can cement the contact by sending them an interesting article or web link at some stage in the future.

TAGGING ALONG
Many of us forget to rip off the name tag when we leave a conference and find, to our embarrassment, that we have been broadcasting our name to everyone on the train on the way home.

But Scott Ginsberg sees the name tag as a clever way to break the ice, making you more approachable and other people more friendly.

Five years ago, he decided to start wearing his tag all day every day and has translated his experiences into a career as an author and speaker on social and career networking.

He shares some of the things he has learned with The Australian Financial Review.

How much information should go on a name tag?
It should have your name and company name. It needs to be simple and easy to read - hopefully from a few metres away.

Should you BYO?
Always. Spend a few dollars to create a nice, professional looking name tag that supports your brand. Take the ones that are provided out of courtesy, but you don't have to wear them.

What is the best name tag you have seen?
I'm really proud of the name tag I have tattooed on my chest. (No, I'm not kidding.) Go to http://www.hellomynameisscott.com to see it.

Can you ever see yourself living without the tag other than the tattoo?
Never ever ever. Nametagger for life.

Should you shorten a hard to pronounce name?
Use a complex name to your advantage as a conversation starter.

Would you advise women to don the tag?
Women should not (I repeat, should not) wear name tags just for fun. Gosh, even I had a stalker. Be careful!

 

Published: 05 December 2006