#03: Jerome Laday - Networking is not just for NOT-working

IN THIS EPISODE: Networking is a misunderstood activity, and is often associated only with job search. But it's much more than that.   Done well, networking can of course help you land a job, but it can also expand your circle of professional contacts, be a source of referrals, or perhaps allow you to find a mentor or even a friend. However, done wrong, it can be a painful and awkward series of one-way interactions that not only won't help you succeed but may cause people to run in the opposite direction. Today's guest is Jerome Laday, a master networker who has been successfully networking for over 25 years. In that time he's learned a lot about how to do things right and how to avoid the pitfalls that can derail your efforts.  He'll share a simple plan of how to get started networking including: How to begin with the right approach & mindset Key Do's and Don'ts Steps for effective follow-up after the first interaction How to avoid "dive bomb" networking Building relationships instead of having a transactional approach How to handle the emotional roller-coaster when you're networking and also in job search mode Understanding the spirit of how to network – that it is more about giving than receiving. And most important guiding principle of all: "Networking is not just for Not-working" ABOUT OUR GUEST: Of course, Jerome's done a lot more than just network over the last 25 years. He has worked as an Human Resources professional for some of the top companies in manufacturing and pharmaceuticals. He is a holder of both SPHR and SHRM-SCP certifications, which are the highest possible in the world of human resources. He has been active in several professional associations and is one of the founding members of the Whine & Dine Networking Group. INSIGHT AT WORK PODCAST THEME MUSIC: Our theme music is composed by Chris Lucca, Jr.. You can listen to more of Chris's work on SoundCloud: SoundCloud.com/fliplucca and find him on Twitter: @FlipLucca. ABOUT THE HOST: Ken Blackwell is a speaker, trainer, facilitator and executive coach. His signature practice is "rescuing Accidental Leaders and Dysfunctional Teams". His firm, InKlaritas, is based in Princeton, NJ and works with teams and leaders in companies around the world. You can find out more at: www.InKlaritas.com.