Networking: Why Veterans Struggle

Capt Richard Desmond — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 09:17:01 -0400

Before I was a veteran, when I was on the computer my wife would ask what I was doing and I would answer, “I’m playing Facebook.” When I became a transitioning veteran the usual answer became, “I’m playing RallyPoint or LinkedIn.” That game analogy has helped me when I started to professionally network since it was so foreign to me as a transitioning veteran. It also showed that I was naïve to the whole concept of networking. I felt it was a necessary evil and one I was not comfortable engaging in.

Let’s face it, the military breeds us and gives us all the skill sets to be a huge success in corporate America, but the culture causes us to be completely inept at networking. We are usually very humble, focused on service to others, do not usually ask for favors, and don’t like to promote ourselves. Normally the system lets our performance and actions speak for us. We struggle to speak for ourselves- at least I did. We are woefully under-prepared as LinkedIn was unheard of in the military, very few promotions or jobs in the military require interviews, and worst of all the Transitional Assistance Program (TAPs) barely touches on it. But it is paramount to civilian success. According to an article from one of the Top four accounting consulting firms, “If you do not have a LinkedIn profile link on your resume, we do not even look at you.”

Other terms like 'personal brand' and 'elevator speech' were completely alien to me. I wasn't sure what my personal brand even was, I only knew that I was a United States Air Force Officer. In case you are wondering, your personal brand is your story and what skills you have to bring to the company. An elevator speech is how you can express your personal brand and story in less than 30 seconds (the estimated time you have with someone in the elevator). This is actually pretty difficult.

You are trying to be relatable, memorable, precise, calculating, and personable all while being charming and charismatic within a short period of time in order to meet one goal: to make a connection. This is what networking boils down to. From the very beginning, networking challenged my way of thinking. I always viewed it as “what can you do for me?” but in reality it means “what can we do for each other?” The connection or relationship has to be mutually beneficial, otherwise it is not really networking.

So in the end, my paradigm shifted from a necessary evil in my mind to an invaluable skill. Regardless of how you feel about what I said or about the situation in general, the facts don’t lie. According to a report from ABC News, “80% of today’s jobs are landed through networking.”

It is all about who you know. When you think about it, it does make sense. Would you rather vouch or trust a resume with a name you have never seen, or a person you made a legitimate connection with? That is when networking makes a difference. Creating mutual professional relationships now can make all the difference now and in the future. The benefits are clear as I hone this difficult skill. But the more connections you make, the more doors you open to opportunities.

Response by LTC Chad Storlie made Sep 12 at 2014 10:54 AM

LTC Chad Storlie — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 10:54:09 -0400

Here are some resources how to create a networking plan: (1) http://vimeo.com/20237805 (2) http://www.combattocorporate.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Network-Strategies-for-Veteran-Career-Success.pdf

(3) http://www.combattocorporate.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/10-Step-Networking-Plan-To-Advance-Your-Career.pdf

Chad Storlie

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Sep 12 at 2014 12:24 PM

SGT Ben Keen — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 12:24:19 -0400

This is one of the best blogs I've seen on here! Thanks Capt Richard Desmond for sharing this!

I too struggled with the things you listed. Perfecting the "elevator pitch" is not easy. Networking is instrumental! There really isn't much more to add because you did a great job summarizing. I just hope people read this and look at their own transition plan and see what they can do to help set themselves up for success.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Sep 12 at 2014 2:48 PM

MSG Brad Sand — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 14:48:29 -0400

Sir,

I would agree with most of what you say except for it being evil. If you look at it as being evil, you are already on a bad path. I like that you were calling your time here and on LinkedIn as 'playing' and if you look at it as play, you will be to accomplish more with much less stress. It is always better to be doing something you enjoy and if you can somehow get paid for doing something you love doing, you are truly blessed.

It is about who you know. Always has been and always will be.

Best of luck.

Response by SGT Maria Tibbs made Sep 12 at 2014 5:14 PM

SGT Maria Tibbs — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 17:14:44 -0400

Capt Desmond, you have articulated exactly what I have been struggling with since entering a very competitive professional school following my discharge. My peers are eager and proficient at self-promotion, while I prefer to be humble and let my actions speak for themselves. The truth is, their networking skills pay off. In the civilian sector, one's performance is not always evaluated in the same manner as in the military. We are used to NCOER/OER where our achievements are written out. People in the civilian sector don't walk around with rank or ribbons, and you have to somehow project that which makes you stand out in the crowd. I'm so glad you posted this and I truly hope more vets learn this skill!

Response by CW3 Dylan E. Raymond, PHR made Sep 12 at 2014 6:18 PM

CW3 Dylan E. Raymond, PHR — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 18:18:12 -0400

Wow that was a mouth full. I am trying to figure out how "necessary" and "evil" goes together. I guess I do not have to because I have a choice of what words to use. When I hear people talk about networking it seems so formal. We network all the time during our military courses when you attend a leadership course and you meet people from all over the world and nowadays you may find yourself in joint training environment.

I met the man who was my best man in my wedding more than 25 years ago and he is my best friend today. Think about a time where you gave a friend a recommendation of a restaurant, movie, furniture store.......do you know what that is called.....network marketing. You had a relationship with the store and you told someone about it which is marketing.

The more simple you make the process it is easy for you but more importantly it is duplicable and we can teach others.

Play "linkedin" let me tell you it is not a game at least that is my opinion. But I was recruited for my current role based on my activity and profile on linkedin. I had several interviews and people always asking me if I am open for an opportunity. That sure beat the opposite. Food for thought.

Response by CW2 Ernest Krutzsch made Sep 12 at 2014 6:58 PM

CW2 Ernest Krutzsch — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 18:58:55 -0400

In all of my work experience, I can honestly tell you, I got more jobs from who I knew, than from what I knew

Response by LTC Yinon Weiss made Sep 12 at 2014 8:48 PM

LTC Yinon Weiss — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 20:48:17 -0400

Great post! I didn't learn many of the same lessons until I transitioned and went back to school as well. It sounds like you definitely have a good understanding of networking, and I am sure it will help carry you far. I'm glad RallyPoint can help you with those goals!

Response by Sgt Timothy Stuppy made Sep 13 at 2014 12:25 PM

Sgt Timothy Stuppy — Sat, 13 Sep 2014 12:25:41 -0400

I have been quite active with LinkedIn for about 6 months, and more recently with Rally Point. I have come to realize that networking can be quite beneficial. However, it can hurt as well. What I mean by that is that whatever you have on your LinkedIn and Rally Point profile better be on your resume, and you better be able to back it up. As far as Facebook is concerned, people need to realize that whatever they "share" with their friends, others can see as well. With that being said, be careful as to what you post on Facebook because your content may prevent you from obtaining a job...as wrong as that my be, it is a fact.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2014 4:00 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 Sep 2014 16:00:58 -0400

Professional looking pictures on Linked-In helps too...no selfies or living room shots. Not my opinion, research based.

Response by SGT Michelle Saunders made Jul 11 at 2015 2:51 PM

SGT Michelle Saunders — Sat, 11 Jul 2015 14:51:52 -0400

Excellent points! Networking is exactly what fills 80-85% of jobs, FACT! To your point about military breeding us a certain way, you're 100% accurate about missing the mark on cross-cultural training. We need to be proud yet humble when we're talking about our value; and if you don't know your value, no one else will spend time trying to figure that out. Often times, our biggest challenege is, we don't know what we don't know. That said, don't be afraid to even seek advice about what advice we should be seeking. I'm a combat retired vet (OIF), but also an executive career coach, along with a few HR roles. Feel free to connect with me for advice or networking ;)

Great post, thanks for sharing!

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 17 at 2015 1:05 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Sep 2015 01:05:36 -0400

Sir, great post! I used to have the same feelings about networking. I thought it was sucking up, and not something that I wanted to do. Being on LinkedIn and RallyPoint has made me a believer that networking is a good thing.

Response by Sgt Tom Cunnally made Sep 17 at 2015 1:46 PM

Sgt Tom Cunnally — Thu, 17 Sep 2015 13:46:08 -0400

I am a member of the Boston College Veterans Network and we have been doing some good things lately to help veterans and just spend time with ROTC students at BC

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 17 at 2015 7:32 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Nov 2015 19:32:41 -0500

Networking for business is definitely a skill that the average service member lacks, at least in practical application. The good news is that, once they are taught how, they tend to do much better in a networking setting than civilians who were taught the same skills. Why? Because we are more confident. Tell me, you...the reader, when you walk into a room full of civilians you don't feel like you stand a little taller, look a little fitter, speak with a little more worldly view than that of your peers? You may not EVER say those things out loud, but you are probably thinking them.

Networking skills can be learned quickly. With some practice, you can be far and away the most memorable person in the room.

Here are some quick tips:

1. Do your homework prior to an event. Many people in the room have LinkedIn or other public social networking accounts. They probably posted on their Twitter when they used EventBrite to sign up for the event that they were going. Gathering intelligence about who is in the room can start the ball rolling by knowing ahead of time the names and details of a few people you want to talk to.

2. Don't be afraid to ask the person you are currently talking to if they know of anyone else in the room that you should know. Not only does it allow you to get a warm introduction and for that person to show that they know people, but it also gives that person a chance to repeat back a few facts about you, which will help them remember you.

3. Don't pre-judge anyone in the room as to their ability to help you. I can't tell you the number of times I have connected with someone that I thought was a wasted hour long conversation only to find out that the other person was very impressed and talked me up to several of their connections that needed my services. Connecting with people isn't always about YOU feeling like you made a connection. (This usually happens when you end up listening ALOT more than you talk, so if it happens that you can't get a word in edgewise, it might be a good thing.)

Happy Networking!

Response by MAJ Raúl Rovira made Nov 19 at 2015 8:04 PM

MAJ Raúl Rovira — Thu, 19 Nov 2015 20:04:10 -0500

Capt Richard Desmond you touched on the most important part of transition which is Networking.

If I may touch on some of my experiences so far. I've been transitioning since OCT of last year and I made Networking my number one focus. I will retire (TERA) 01 FEB 2016. I've used a combination of volunteering with Project management Institute in Alaska, taking a leadership role in Toastmasters, as a Den Leader where my son is a cub scout, attending as many employer panels as I can at ACAP to gather intel and connect with the panel members. I also volunteer for ACAP (Soldier for Life Center)

The Elevator speech works. Often you meet someone and you are asked "tell me about yourself, ""What do you sell" or "What do you do?". If you think on your feet you can paint your Personal Brand in a 30-second elevator speech and grab their attention, and hopefully take the Networking one step further.

One of the most powerful things we can do for transitioning is to join a Toastmasters club outside the base. To clean our language away from military lingo. And also to work on interview skills. I've attended over 12 employer panels on base and they never fail to say that service members struggle at the interview part. Networking can get us to an interview but the way we communicate can seal the deal. We want to communicate how we bring value to the company/employer but it needs to be clean, confident and natural versus rehearsed, robotic and sweating in fear.

Every networking event is an opportunity to practice the elevator speech. After all, normally the first question we are asked at an interview is, "Tell us a little bit about yourself".

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Jan 2 at 2016 4:53 PM

Capt Tom Brown — Sat, 02 Jan 2016 16:53:19 -0500

SMs should read and take to heart your observation that 80% of jobs are not posted in any job bank, on line, newspapers, etc. Some employers such as governmental agencies at the local, state and federal level still rely in large part on public postings.

Response by Jahn Warner Laster made Mar 20 at 2017 12:21 PM

Jahn Warner Laster — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 12:21:40 -0400

OoRah..collaboration with like minded people is a true gift that RallyPoint provides.

Stay Connected..Stay Tuned.. :)