The COFFEE Approach to Networking

I recently started attending outplacement seminars with Lee Hecht Harrison, a career management firm that assists people who have been laid off from their jobs. After listening to several sessions, I found that most experienced professionals have no real clue about how to network. They’ve been at their previous jobs for too long or forgot that the job search is about meeting people vs. sending out resumes.

So I put together a mnemonic (Scrabble-fiends, please note the spelling) device to help those still trying to come out of their proverbial shell:

COFFEE.

Sounds simple, doesn’t it? Better still, it is. Everyone networks using it because it’s quick, it’s cheap, and it carries far less in the way of awkward connotations if you ask someone of the opposite sex to meet you for it as opposed to getting drinks together on a given evening (although if you’re in another market besides the job search, hey, more power to you…).

But back to the approach – it turns out COFFEE makes an excellent acronym for how people network. To wit:

Coworkers
Organizations
Friends
Family
Everyone
Else

Coworkers – These would be current ones (if you’re still employed) or former ones (if not), vendors, contractors, business associates, or anyone you’ve ever had a professional connection with. These are probably your first line of outreach.

Organizations – Ever been fed up with your HOA? Found yourself at a PTA meeting and wondered what everyone else in the room did for a living? Now’s your chance to get to know. And don’t stop there – think about your book clubs, church groups, civics groups, alumni organizations…

Friends – Sure, most people are uncomfortable admitting they’ve been laid off – but spend several months that way and you’ll probably be surprised about how quickly you lose any sense of shame. Think of the parents you meet at your kids’ swimming pool or the people at the neighborhood mixer – some of them may know someone who is hiring.

Family – Yes, everyone has a “Crazy Uncle Fred” or “Aunt Alice the Spinster,” but don’t be afraid to tap extended family members as well – cousins, nephews, nieces, in-laws. Just reaching out to these people alone broadens your network of connections almost immeasurably.

Everyone Else – The most important group. Ever been to your dentist’s office and seen the countless folders behind the receptionist’s desk? In every one is a name of someone who may know someone. Do the math if you want a headache. Gotten to know your Starbucks barista who pours your coffee at the same time each week a little better? All of these people are connectors, meaning they have the potential through the very nature of their jobs to help you, but only if you’re willing to make the investment of getting to know them as well.

So, there you have it – the first “tip” of this job seeker’s blog – don’t be afraid to rely on COFFEE for your networking help. Hmm? What’s that? You think this sounds obvious? Really? Well, as it turns out, in the next post we’ll talk about “networking etiquette” – because if you go to any networking event, you’ll be surprised how few people you meet actually have any.