Leave a People Trail . . .
My good friend Cleon Cox III runs the Job Finders Support Group here in Portland. Cleon is an expert at networking — he knows EVERYBODY in town! One of his famous sayings is “leave a people trail, not a paper trail.” Cleon doesn’t believe in resumes. Over the years he has seen more people find their perfect job through networking rather than through the old approach of sending a resume and cover letter. Many more! Thousands more!
While I’m not quite ready to cut resumes out of the career marketing mix altogether, I do agree with Cleon that networking is the MOST effective way to get a job. In fact networking is the best way to get almost anything you need! Networking can be frightening to many people, simply because they don’t know how to go about it. Here are three tips for every potential networker out there:
1) Know what you have to offer — remember rule #1! It’s not about you!
2) Know what you want — be clear about how others can help you when they ask.
3) Enjoy yourself — Cleon says “have fun, meet people, learn something.” Approach networking as an opportunity to meet someone new.
When you go to a networking event or meet someone for coffee, go intending to make a friend. Leave the “sales pitch” behind! If you are able to help the other person, they will be much more willing to help you.
When you leave a paper trail, most of it gets tossed out or recycled. But when you leave a people trail, the benefits are long lasting and enjoyable!
