Now more than ever it is important for recent grads to leave their comfort zones and talk to everyone they possibly can.
Sure, we’ve all heard networking is extremely important to create opportunities for ourselves and it’s not what you know, it’s who you know.
However, recent grads might limit themselves to network with others in their field or in close proximity (relatives, friends, co-workers, superiors, etc.) when endless opportunities are among everyday people – many of whom you have never met.
Let me share two great stories that have helped me tremendously in my search for gainful employment. Both are examples of connections I have made by speaking with two complete strangers in random places and each has generated beneficial results.
Whether you're traveling for business or for pleasure, open yourself up to meeting new people. You never know if the person sitting next to you on that bus or plane could be your next mentor, boss or best friend.
Share Your Peanuts
During my umpteenth flight from Toronto to Halifax after a weekend jaunt, I had little interest in speaking with anyone. I wanted to plug my headphones into my iPod and slip away into a deep slumber. Luckily, my seat mate had other plans.
A lady soon appeared in my row and we began chatting. She is a successful VP of sales at a reputable firm in Toronto and knew a thing or two about the business community.
Our small talk soon turned into a full-blown mentoring session where she offered advice for a future career in business and marketing. We discussed career options, opportunities in furthering my education and personal experiences the entire flight.
Upon departing, she offered me her card and a few weeks later, we met for lunch. Her guidance came at a very important crossroads in my life and we remain in contact to this date.
The Guatemala Connection
It’s not everyday that you meet someone from your “neighbourhood” on a remote avocado farm in Guatemala. However, in December 2008, a friend and I were nearing the end of a backpacking trek around Central America.
We decided to spend a few days at an extremely remote avocado farm in Antigua. During our second day, a group of cyclists stopped in for the night as part of a week-long mountain bike tour.
Canadian businesspeople travel all over the world. Networking can happen in the strangest places - like on an avocado farm in Guatemala.
We began chatting and I quickly learned that two of them own a cycling events company in Ontario that is a major player on the mountain bike scene.
Well, was I excited! (Not to mention a little taken aback by the realization that “it is a small world after all.”)
You see, I was always planning to become involved with the mountain biking scene upon moving home to Ontario post-travels and it felt as though these two fell right into my lap!
I picked their brains all night about possible opportunities with their company’s events and network of friends. They were also hilarious and not too shabby at Mad Gab so it didn’t take long for our encounter to turn into a friendship.
Since returning to Ontario, I remain in contact with them and we have made plans to work together for some of their events this upcoming season.
Both of these stories have the same message: never discount the opportunity to seek out connections when placed in a situation where new people come into your life, even for a short period of time. You can find some wonderful opportunities in the oddest of places, you just have to try. Everybody has a unique story and experiences that can be very beneficial to your job search especially in trying times.
Put yourself out there and don’t be afraid to discuss your future goals and ambitions. You never know where it might lead…
Great article Jess! Some excellent examples of how everyday encounters can lead to unique networking opportunities. Also a solid plug for travel–people outside of their bubble seem to be more open to connecting.
I would share my peanuts with you, anytime.
Great article piz.
Absolutely right! I get made fun of all the time (by Lauren and Dan here) for talking to people in the elevator but you just never know!
Excellent point. Networking should be something that is done constantly so that when it is needed, the connections are already established. Good advice Jes.
Update: I caught Daniel networking in the elevator the other day : )
Update: Tina caught me being polite to a talkative stranger in the elevator….she probably set up the whole thing!
…but her point is valid, networking takes place everywhere, all the time….even in elevators!
Networking in the elevator is a great idea. I mean everybody is stuck in an 8 by 10 cube so you might as well strike up a conversation!
thanks for the comments everyone!!
Hey Jes… Totally agree with the networking on an elevator opportunity, especially if she is really cute… that's why the E-stops were put in elevators… to allow prolonged networking to take place. Now you know.
Even if chatting with strangers does not have the immediate effect of a job offer or mentoring, it is a great chance to try out your personal pitch (and get more comfortable for more high stakes situations).
I ride greyhound a lot, and coming from a fairly small college community, sometimes those 12 hour rides are the only time I have to talk to people with different background than myself. The insight I gain from chatting with homeless carpenters about Star Trek and old grandmothers about Malcolm X really prepares me to be comfortable in any conversation.
So even if the connection I make during a long trip will probably never benefit me in my work life, those connects do prepare me to better market myself.
Great post!