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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.
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.
Networking
Command Post
Transition
Edited 10 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 16
10
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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.
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.
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SGT Steven Eugene Kuhn MBA
I loved the write up Capt Richard Desmond spot on to say the least.
As a Vet who transitioned a long while ago, I must admit that networking has evolved through the years. The elevator pitch, the perfect resume, the polished answers and such are "ok" and may fit the online "trying to get noticed" act, but true networking is being there to help and assist others.
What do you have to offer those you are reaching out to? A nice CV? A nice elevator pitch? Why reach out? If you are only looking for something from the person you are contacting, it may be difficult to get noticed through the crowd.
Be original, be special...here a few examples:
1. A new salesman in Germany told his boss that he would get the CEO to sign a deal, this CEO had turned down every appointment request for the past 4 years, even from their own CEO.
The salesperson got a box of excellent Cuban Cigars, packed them in a gift box with the label of great Cognac (a place pf pure giving) and a small letter stating;
Enjoy the cigars, they are very special, the cognac is even better, I will pour you a glass when we meet next Tuesday at 12.00 in your office. Thank you for the short confirmation from your assistant. He got the appointment and closed one of the largest deals the company had made that year.
The next one will show you how reality works and that you need not be a CEO or have to be someone in a certain position.
2. The Barkeeper spoke many languages he saw himself as a connector and liked to please and surprise his guests. His favorite was to connect two lone businessmen at the bar. He did this often, a guest always watched how smooth and pressure free he did what he did (from a place of pure giving).
A few weeks down the road this guest went to the bartender and asked if he would consider speaking about a job offer..he did and ended up being one of the top consultants in this particular company and is making so much money now that he opened his own bar now as a place to hang out with the friends he had made.
So you see it is less about what you want, rather what can you bring to the table, what makes you special, different or unique and just putting it on paper is useless, it needs to be felt, seen and talked about.
The online networking is really not networking at all, those who are "looking" are online, those who have connections and are doing well are not online looking for anyone at all, so how can you meet them?
If you are looking for a job, the best ones are NEVER listed, never ever, regardless what anyone says. You need to know people personally.
Speak to everyone who is near you, ask about them, allow them to talk, say nothing about you, this is unique in today's world of "me, me, me" find something they say and make a short conversation about it and find a way to suggest something that can help, assist or strengthen the situation...you are now golden!
You never know who is in the car next to you, in line in front of you, next to you at the bank or if the guy who just cut you off could be your next business partner. It pays to be outgoing as a listener and helper...literally pays $$$.
This is what I do for a living, calling it networking is important to make it clear what it is but the definition of networking in this day and age is so much more than what it was...not diminishing anything written by Capt Desmond, simply adding a "New Testament" if you will.
I will make this offer to anyone who reads this: If you wish to chat about this more or need some advice or tips on how to make something happen, I am here for you.
Any Veteran or Active duty I help FREE of charge...see where I am coming from...(from a place of pure giving)
Steady on, good luck and may you love life!
As a Vet who transitioned a long while ago, I must admit that networking has evolved through the years. The elevator pitch, the perfect resume, the polished answers and such are "ok" and may fit the online "trying to get noticed" act, but true networking is being there to help and assist others.
What do you have to offer those you are reaching out to? A nice CV? A nice elevator pitch? Why reach out? If you are only looking for something from the person you are contacting, it may be difficult to get noticed through the crowd.
Be original, be special...here a few examples:
1. A new salesman in Germany told his boss that he would get the CEO to sign a deal, this CEO had turned down every appointment request for the past 4 years, even from their own CEO.
The salesperson got a box of excellent Cuban Cigars, packed them in a gift box with the label of great Cognac (a place pf pure giving) and a small letter stating;
Enjoy the cigars, they are very special, the cognac is even better, I will pour you a glass when we meet next Tuesday at 12.00 in your office. Thank you for the short confirmation from your assistant. He got the appointment and closed one of the largest deals the company had made that year.
The next one will show you how reality works and that you need not be a CEO or have to be someone in a certain position.
2. The Barkeeper spoke many languages he saw himself as a connector and liked to please and surprise his guests. His favorite was to connect two lone businessmen at the bar. He did this often, a guest always watched how smooth and pressure free he did what he did (from a place of pure giving).
A few weeks down the road this guest went to the bartender and asked if he would consider speaking about a job offer..he did and ended up being one of the top consultants in this particular company and is making so much money now that he opened his own bar now as a place to hang out with the friends he had made.
So you see it is less about what you want, rather what can you bring to the table, what makes you special, different or unique and just putting it on paper is useless, it needs to be felt, seen and talked about.
The online networking is really not networking at all, those who are "looking" are online, those who have connections and are doing well are not online looking for anyone at all, so how can you meet them?
If you are looking for a job, the best ones are NEVER listed, never ever, regardless what anyone says. You need to know people personally.
Speak to everyone who is near you, ask about them, allow them to talk, say nothing about you, this is unique in today's world of "me, me, me" find something they say and make a short conversation about it and find a way to suggest something that can help, assist or strengthen the situation...you are now golden!
You never know who is in the car next to you, in line in front of you, next to you at the bank or if the guy who just cut you off could be your next business partner. It pays to be outgoing as a listener and helper...literally pays $$$.
This is what I do for a living, calling it networking is important to make it clear what it is but the definition of networking in this day and age is so much more than what it was...not diminishing anything written by Capt Desmond, simply adding a "New Testament" if you will.
I will make this offer to anyone who reads this: If you wish to chat about this more or need some advice or tips on how to make something happen, I am here for you.
Any Veteran or Active duty I help FREE of charge...see where I am coming from...(from a place of pure giving)
Steady on, good luck and may you love life!
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CW3 Dylan E. Raymond, PHR
Ben the elevator speech is a work in progress as the resume is a working document. When I talk to people and interview them I want them to be themselves but confident. That's like dating trying to remember what line you are going to use when you meet someone. You will be flexible and adjust as necessary.
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CW3 Dylan E. Raymond, PHR
In fact I am always practicing my commercial. Never know when I am going to run into the next CEO on the elevator, escalator, mens room, movies.....always be ready....train as we fight. I try not to focus to much on time as I do precision. So I practice in private.......
Remember your private practice will determine your public performance
Remember your private practice will determine your public performance
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Professional looking pictures on Linked-In helps too...no selfies or living room shots. Not my opinion, research based.
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Sgt Timothy Stuppy
ABSOLUTELY Col Smith! I actually need to change mine, although it is cropped of myself and a LtGen, it is still not professional enough. I guess it is time to go see a photographer...
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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.
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.
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COL Vincent Stoneking
MSG Brad Sand Thank you, this was almost the exact comment I was going to make as soon as I had read the rest....
Networking is necessary. The only thing "evil" about it is that most people have never been told - or chosen to believe - that it is necessary.
I would also point out that OERs and NCOERs, at least at senior levels, are in large part due to networking performance. Two Officers can do the same job (say, CO CDR), have equivalent units, with equivalent metrics, and equivalent improvements. According to the senior rater, one is "a solid performer with the potential for greater responsibility". The other is "an outstanding leader, with the confidence of her troops and superiors, ready for greater responsibility, promote ahead of peers." If they are both objectively the same, what is different? Obviously the subjective - i.e. how well they present themselves, their reputation, and the "personal brand" that they transmit. Because everyone HAS a personal brand. Some are just more intentional than others.
- For those who believe that evals are objective, and the scenario I outlined would never happen "in real life." Rest assured, it does. Routinely. I have seen it on multiple occasions. I have also seen an Officer go from Hero to Zero (and the reverse) between two evaluation periods in the same position, with the only changes being the personalities and PERSONAL interactions with those around them. We very much like to say that the military is all business and "just the facts." This is NOT the case.
Networking is necessary. The only thing "evil" about it is that most people have never been told - or chosen to believe - that it is necessary.
I would also point out that OERs and NCOERs, at least at senior levels, are in large part due to networking performance. Two Officers can do the same job (say, CO CDR), have equivalent units, with equivalent metrics, and equivalent improvements. According to the senior rater, one is "a solid performer with the potential for greater responsibility". The other is "an outstanding leader, with the confidence of her troops and superiors, ready for greater responsibility, promote ahead of peers." If they are both objectively the same, what is different? Obviously the subjective - i.e. how well they present themselves, their reputation, and the "personal brand" that they transmit. Because everyone HAS a personal brand. Some are just more intentional than others.
- For those who believe that evals are objective, and the scenario I outlined would never happen "in real life." Rest assured, it does. Routinely. I have seen it on multiple occasions. I have also seen an Officer go from Hero to Zero (and the reverse) between two evaluation periods in the same position, with the only changes being the personalities and PERSONAL interactions with those around them. We very much like to say that the military is all business and "just the facts." This is NOT the case.
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Jahn Warner Laster
Play with courage...as a lion. Hold no hate in your heart for it poisons the soul.
Thank you for your insight MSG~
Thank you for your insight MSG~
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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.
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Jahn Warner Laster
honor truth and courage, in our word and our social media..it is a portrait of our character that we invite others to "see".. go forth in this manner and serve where your gifts guide you~
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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!
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CW3 Dylan E. Raymond, PHR
Maria whether in the military or civilian sector it is about delivery. the military in some aspect make you dependent because no matter what the check is coming in on the 1st and 15th of the month and a lot of people back up to the ATM with a ski mask robbing uncle sugar/Sam or whoever you call him. For example I was a recruiter in NYC recruiting Battalion where at the time we had to sign for our missions 2 contracts for regular Army and 4-5 for USAR. If I sign for a mission and do not make mission I am still rewarded by backing up to the ATM to collect my pay and oh by the way I get a special duty pay, and then have the audacity to submit a $75 Recruiter Expense account to be reimbursed and did not bring one single solitary Soldier in the Army.
I fail the mission of the station, company all the way up through the Combatant commander who is depending on that Soldier to fill the foxhole. Leaving the combatant commander at 80% strength to carry out simultaneous continuous missions.
However my OER/NCOER says I walk on water. Will that work in the civilian sector? Should it be tolerated in the military? We each have to answer that question our self. Then to cap it off I leave the command with a Meritorious Service Medal.
Just saying a different angle to look at things....
I fail the mission of the station, company all the way up through the Combatant commander who is depending on that Soldier to fill the foxhole. Leaving the combatant commander at 80% strength to carry out simultaneous continuous missions.
However my OER/NCOER says I walk on water. Will that work in the civilian sector? Should it be tolerated in the military? We each have to answer that question our self. Then to cap it off I leave the command with a Meritorious Service Medal.
Just saying a different angle to look at things....
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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!
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In all of my work experience, I can honestly tell you, I got more jobs from who I knew, than from what I knew
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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.
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.
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SSG(P) (Join to see)
Very elegantly stated. Word of mouth is the best and cheapest form of advertisement.
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CW3 Dylan E. Raymond, PHR
Yvonne word of mouth is free....how motivated would people be if they received a % off every dollar that person spent because of their recommendation? Have a great weekend.
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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
(3) http://www.combattocorporate.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/10-Step-Networking-Plan-To-Advance-Your-Career.pdf
Chad Storlie
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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!
Great post, thanks for sharing!
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