Network Your Way to Success
People you know can get you where you want to go.
How did an 11-year-old turn his neighbors' recyclables into cash? How did a high school student find a summer job? How did a teen turn a cat-sitting job into an opportunity to unleash her artistic talent? They did it the same way you can: by networking.
SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION
Networking is based on the principle that you can link yourself to anyone in the whole world through six other people, says Lara Zielin, author of Make Things Happen: The Key to Networking for Teens. "For example, you may have a cousin in Germany who knows a banker in Chile who is connected to a lawyer in Scotland," Zielin says. "Within six steps you may be able to connect with someone in virtually any part of the world!"
What's more, that someone just might be able to help you get what you Want -- whether it's extra cash, a job, or artistic inspiration.
Many teens think networking is something their parents do to find a job or to close a deal. Although it's true that networking is a great business practice, it's also a great skill for teens to develop.
Whether you want to be a better swimmer, start a business, become a coach, live in another country or help someone in need, networking is an easy way of nurturing personal connections and building a system of supporters who will help ensure your success every step of the way.
NETWORKING PAYS
Networking is nothing more than meeting people and building relationships--relationships that grow and have the power to be mutually beneficial. In fact, whether you know it or not, you've probably been reaping the advantages of networking all your life.
Take James Hawe, for instance. At 11, James, of Moorpark, Calif., wanted more spending money than his parents were willing to give him. But he was too young to get a job.
After helping his grandmother with her recyclables, James realized that his neighbors' bottles and cans could be his ticket to extra cash: That's because the state of California requires a 5-cent deposit on all bottles and cans. Residents pay the extra 5 cents when they purchase their beverages and receive a refund when they turn in their empty bottles and cans. But James knew many of his neighbors never took the time to return their empties. Instead, they just put them out with their garbage.
So James did a little networking with the people on his block and struck a deal with many of them. Each week, he'd be responsible for getting their garbage to the curb. In return, he'd get to keep the cans and bottles he found. The result: an extra $10 to $12 a week, or $40 to $50 a month, and a stronger relationship with his neighbors.
But what about the day when you need more than extra cash? In James's case, getting to know his neighbors now--and showing them that he's resourceful and hardworking--might help him when he turns 16 and is looking for an after school job or even when he needs a college recommendation letter or a summer internship. That's because networking can pay in the long run as well. Whether you need help perfecting a 360-degree skateboard spin, completing a college application, finding a used car, landing the job of your dreams, or making a new friend, your network can be the ticket to your success both today and in the future.
"The woman I worked for as an intern when I was in college has been a valuable resource in all areas of my life," says Mary Samek, a writer who lives in Dallas. "She helped me get my dream job, provided a reference so I could buy my first house, and even jump-started my car when the battery died."
But don't wait until you're out of high school to start making the most of your network. Start net working today.
Seventh-grade teacher Susann Bachel of Los Angeles gives her students (and you) this advice: View your friends' parents as more than just parents. "See them as real people with real interests, real skills, and a real desire to help," Bachel says.
"If your Monday-morning carpool driver is a lawyer, and you're interested in going to law school, use your time in the car to ask him or her what it's like to go to law school, intern for a public-interest group, or win a big case," she adds. "When you do, you'll have a better sense of whether becoming a lawyer is right for you and what you need to do now to make your dreams come true." And perhaps one day, that same carpool driver will invite you to sit in on a trial, help you study for the law school entrance exams, or invite you to intern at his or her firm.
FOUR FACTS ABOUT NETWORKING
To make your network as effective as possible, keep these tips in mind.
Networking is a way of life. Connecting with people is a continual practice of getting to know others--and letting them get to know you--so you can build strong relationships that are mutually beneficial.
The more you practice networking, the easier it gets. Networking is a skill that can be learned, like learning to speak Spanish or driving a car. After a while, you won't even have to think about it.
Give and you shall receive. Some people think networking is about getting what they want. It is, but it works so much better when you're willing to plant the first seed. The best way of expanding your network is to cultivate a garden of people who value what' you've done for them. Even little things can pay off in unexpected--and valuable--ways. For instance, Samek volunteered to help her friend Jeff Harrison, a professional race car driver, write an e-newsletter and other promotional materials. Harrison jumped at her offer, and knowing Samek's artistic talents, he also asked her to' paint a picture of his race car that he could give his sponsors--an opportunity Samek might not have gotten if she hadn't first volunteered to, help Harrison.
Say thank you. When someone helps you, be sure to say thank you. And try to do so in a meaningful way. That's what Meredith Williams, 18, of Garland, Texas, did after cat-sitting Gracie, her neighbor's cat. Despite the fact that Meredith was the one doing the favor, she sent her neighbor a note:
"I loved seeing your paintings around the house when I took care of Gracie! I've always been into art, but I usually drew because I thought I was terrible at painting. After I watched Gracie the first time, I went out and bought some acrylics and canvas and painted a picture of Gracie and I loved it! Thanks for unknowingly awakening the painter in me!"
Meredith also gave her neighbor a CD of digital pictures of Gracie she had taken while cat-sitting so that her neighbor could have the inspiration she needed to paint her own picture of Gracie. It was a simple gesture, but it says a lot about Meredith. And it helped her neighbor see her in a whole new light.
HOW TO START BUILDING YOUR NETWORK
"Everyone you meet is a potential member of your network," says Courtney Macavinta, coauthor of Respect: A Girl's Guide to Getting Respect and Dealing When Your Line Is Crossed. Macavinta, who began her career as an investigative journalist, says, "Networking has always been a part of my day job. I always need a network of sources for quotes and story ideas."
So how does she do it? By being a "KIT" person "That's a keep-in-touch person," Macavinta says. "You get what you give." So if your carpool driver tells you what it's like to be a lawyer, stay in touch. Take the initiative to start other conversations. Ask him or her to recommend a book or to tell you more about what it's like to practice law.
But before you have people to keep in touch with, you need to learn how to build strong relationships. Macavinta offers these five tips to use with every person you meet, whether it's the new girl in the school band or the manager who's interviewing you for a job at the mall.
1. Be yourself. When you're around other people, you've got to be true to the person you really are.
That means never lying about accomplishments to impress someone. You'll impress people more if you have the courage to say, "Gosh, I don't know anything about that. Could you fill me in?"
2. Be caring. Treat others how you want to be treated. If someone asks for help (or even if the person needs it and doesn't ask you for' it directly), do the best you can to help. And if someone tells you something in confidence;, keep it a secret.
3. Be honest. Honesty, combined with tact, helps others trust you. If someone you meet does pr says something that makes you uncomfortable, say 'so in a tactful way. "Boundaries can help you grow closer and build more respect," Macavinta says.
4. Be invested. Don't take your new contacts for granted. 'When you're there for them, they'll feel valued, and you'll see the payoff. As Macavinta says, "Good friendships make your life rich!"
5. Be open to new friends. Seek out people with whom you normally wouldn't interact. Kim Vappie owns MENTTIUM Corporation, a business that helps organizations recruit and retain diverse employees. "When I was in college, I worked with a man from Ethiopia," Vappie says. "Because I took the time to learn about his culture, it's been much easier for me to build business and personal relationships with others."
How did an 11-year-old turn his neighbors' recyclables into cash? How did a high school student find a summer job? How did a teen turn a cat-sitting job into an opportunity to unleash her artistic talent? They did it the same way you can: by networking.
SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION
Networking is based on the principle that you can link yourself to anyone in the whole world through six other people, says Lara Zielin, author of Make Things Happen: The Key to Networking for Teens. "For example, you may have a cousin in Germany who knows a banker in Chile who is connected to a lawyer in Scotland," Zielin says. "Within six steps you may be able to connect with someone in virtually any part of the world!"
What's more, that someone just might be able to help you get what you Want -- whether it's extra cash, a job, or artistic inspiration.
Many teens think networking is something their parents do to find a job or to close a deal. Although it's true that networking is a great business practice, it's also a great skill for teens to develop.
Whether you want to be a better swimmer, start a business, become a coach, live in another country or help someone in need, networking is an easy way of nurturing personal connections and building a system of supporters who will help ensure your success every step of the way.
NETWORKING PAYS
Networking is nothing more than meeting people and building relationships--relationships that grow and have the power to be mutually beneficial. In fact, whether you know it or not, you've probably been reaping the advantages of networking all your life.
Take James Hawe, for instance. At 11, James, of Moorpark, Calif., wanted more spending money than his parents were willing to give him. But he was too young to get a job.
After helping his grandmother with her recyclables, James realized that his neighbors' bottles and cans could be his ticket to extra cash: That's because the state of California requires a 5-cent deposit on all bottles and cans. Residents pay the extra 5 cents when they purchase their beverages and receive a refund when they turn in their empty bottles and cans. But James knew many of his neighbors never took the time to return their empties. Instead, they just put them out with their garbage.
So James did a little networking with the people on his block and struck a deal with many of them. Each week, he'd be responsible for getting their garbage to the curb. In return, he'd get to keep the cans and bottles he found. The result: an extra $10 to $12 a week, or $40 to $50 a month, and a stronger relationship with his neighbors.
But what about the day when you need more than extra cash? In James's case, getting to know his neighbors now--and showing them that he's resourceful and hardworking--might help him when he turns 16 and is looking for an after school job or even when he needs a college recommendation letter or a summer internship. That's because networking can pay in the long run as well. Whether you need help perfecting a 360-degree skateboard spin, completing a college application, finding a used car, landing the job of your dreams, or making a new friend, your network can be the ticket to your success both today and in the future.
"The woman I worked for as an intern when I was in college has been a valuable resource in all areas of my life," says Mary Samek, a writer who lives in Dallas. "She helped me get my dream job, provided a reference so I could buy my first house, and even jump-started my car when the battery died."
But don't wait until you're out of high school to start making the most of your network. Start net working today.
Seventh-grade teacher Susann Bachel of Los Angeles gives her students (and you) this advice: View your friends' parents as more than just parents. "See them as real people with real interests, real skills, and a real desire to help," Bachel says.
"If your Monday-morning carpool driver is a lawyer, and you're interested in going to law school, use your time in the car to ask him or her what it's like to go to law school, intern for a public-interest group, or win a big case," she adds. "When you do, you'll have a better sense of whether becoming a lawyer is right for you and what you need to do now to make your dreams come true." And perhaps one day, that same carpool driver will invite you to sit in on a trial, help you study for the law school entrance exams, or invite you to intern at his or her firm.
FOUR FACTS ABOUT NETWORKING
To make your network as effective as possible, keep these tips in mind.
Networking is a way of life. Connecting with people is a continual practice of getting to know others--and letting them get to know you--so you can build strong relationships that are mutually beneficial.
The more you practice networking, the easier it gets. Networking is a skill that can be learned, like learning to speak Spanish or driving a car. After a while, you won't even have to think about it.
Give and you shall receive. Some people think networking is about getting what they want. It is, but it works so much better when you're willing to plant the first seed. The best way of expanding your network is to cultivate a garden of people who value what' you've done for them. Even little things can pay off in unexpected--and valuable--ways. For instance, Samek volunteered to help her friend Jeff Harrison, a professional race car driver, write an e-newsletter and other promotional materials. Harrison jumped at her offer, and knowing Samek's artistic talents, he also asked her to' paint a picture of his race car that he could give his sponsors--an opportunity Samek might not have gotten if she hadn't first volunteered to, help Harrison.
Say thank you. When someone helps you, be sure to say thank you. And try to do so in a meaningful way. That's what Meredith Williams, 18, of Garland, Texas, did after cat-sitting Gracie, her neighbor's cat. Despite the fact that Meredith was the one doing the favor, she sent her neighbor a note:
"I loved seeing your paintings around the house when I took care of Gracie! I've always been into art, but I usually drew because I thought I was terrible at painting. After I watched Gracie the first time, I went out and bought some acrylics and canvas and painted a picture of Gracie and I loved it! Thanks for unknowingly awakening the painter in me!"
Meredith also gave her neighbor a CD of digital pictures of Gracie she had taken while cat-sitting so that her neighbor could have the inspiration she needed to paint her own picture of Gracie. It was a simple gesture, but it says a lot about Meredith. And it helped her neighbor see her in a whole new light.
HOW TO START BUILDING YOUR NETWORK
"Everyone you meet is a potential member of your network," says Courtney Macavinta, coauthor of Respect: A Girl's Guide to Getting Respect and Dealing When Your Line Is Crossed. Macavinta, who began her career as an investigative journalist, says, "Networking has always been a part of my day job. I always need a network of sources for quotes and story ideas."
So how does she do it? By being a "KIT" person "That's a keep-in-touch person," Macavinta says. "You get what you give." So if your carpool driver tells you what it's like to be a lawyer, stay in touch. Take the initiative to start other conversations. Ask him or her to recommend a book or to tell you more about what it's like to practice law.
But before you have people to keep in touch with, you need to learn how to build strong relationships. Macavinta offers these five tips to use with every person you meet, whether it's the new girl in the school band or the manager who's interviewing you for a job at the mall.
1. Be yourself. When you're around other people, you've got to be true to the person you really are.
That means never lying about accomplishments to impress someone. You'll impress people more if you have the courage to say, "Gosh, I don't know anything about that. Could you fill me in?"
2. Be caring. Treat others how you want to be treated. If someone asks for help (or even if the person needs it and doesn't ask you for' it directly), do the best you can to help. And if someone tells you something in confidence;, keep it a secret.
3. Be honest. Honesty, combined with tact, helps others trust you. If someone you meet does pr says something that makes you uncomfortable, say 'so in a tactful way. "Boundaries can help you grow closer and build more respect," Macavinta says.
4. Be invested. Don't take your new contacts for granted. 'When you're there for them, they'll feel valued, and you'll see the payoff. As Macavinta says, "Good friendships make your life rich!"
5. Be open to new friends. Seek out people with whom you normally wouldn't interact. Kim Vappie owns MENTTIUM Corporation, a business that helps organizations recruit and retain diverse employees. "When I was in college, I worked with a man from Ethiopia," Vappie says. "Because I took the time to learn about his culture, it's been much easier for me to build business and personal relationships with others."
START NETWORKING NOW
Most likely, you've been networking your whole life and already know how to do it. With jobs, college, interviews, and more on the horizon, now's the time to take your networking to the next level.
Know what you want and who might be able to help you get it. Make a point of networking with everyone you come in contact with. You'll be amazed by what you'll receive, now and in the future.
The NETWORKING 'Tude
Networking today, tomorrow, and every day will help you get things you need now and in the future, whether it's a study buddy to help you learn how to write geometric proofs or a mentor who can help you land an internship. When you decide to connect with people, you open up the possibility of getting all you really want--professionally and, most important, personally. To make the most of your network, you need the right attitude. To get started, think like a networker by preparing your mind for the great support system you're about to start building. Take the time now to evaluate your beliefs about meeting people and, if you need to, give your attitude a makeover.
BAD ATTITUDE: "I want to get out of the store as fast as possible."
GOOD ATTITUDE: "I'm going to strike up a conversation with the cashier. You never know when I might want to get a job here."
BAD ATTITUDE: "I want people to learn all about me."
GOOD ATTITUDE: "I want to learn all about other people."
BAD ATTITUDE: "I don't like him. He's better than I am at that."
GOOD ATTITUDE: "Wow, he's really good at that. I wonder if held teach me how he does it."
BAD ATTITUDE: "I'm too shy to meet people."
GOOD ATTITUDE: "Everyone is shy sometimes. I'm going to smile and say 'hi.'"
By: Bachel, Beverly K., Career World, 2006
posted by James at 3:19 PM
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