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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 9 y ago
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 16
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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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