There is no more important career-related skill to master than professional networking. The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics concludes that 85 percent of jobs are filled by professional networking!! What’s more, according to CNBC, 70% of jobs are never published publicly. These jobs are either posted internally or are created specifically for candidates that recruiters meet through professional networking.
But professional networking isn’t just about landing a new job. If you’re contemplating a switch in careers it’s an essential part of exploring fields that you might be interested in, giving you invaluable information on the “lay of the land” – how competitive you might be as a candidate, and what you could do to burnish your credentials. And on the organizations that are best to work for, and which ones might be looking to hire.
And longer-term, professional networking can lead to establishing relationships that can help you progress in whatever direction you might ultimately choose. Connections built through professional networking can even lead to one day being hired by the person you initially networked with.
It’s a fact, though, that many people are uncomfortable with the whole idea of professional networking. They might feel that there’s something sleazy or even unethical about it, or they might have a strong resistance to “asking for a favor” from someone who could facilitate the networking connection, or they might have no idea about how to go about it.
That’s where my guidance can be particularly valuable. Not only will I show you professional networking best practices, but I will help you gain confidence in the whole process and help you overcome preconceived notions that stand in the way from utilizing this incredibly valuable process.
“If you’re unhappy with your current career or job, or you’re out of work and looking, I can’t stress enough how important it is to network. But professional networking isn’t just about contacting people. You want your contacts to be impressed with you. I will share best practices to help increase the impact of your professional networking program.” – Jim Weinstein, Career Counselor & Life Consultant
Contact JimNormally, sessions are 50 minutes long, although arrangements can be made for longer sessions.
The answer to that question depends entirely on the issue(s) you are seeking to resolve. If you’re coming in for something fairly straightforward, such as professional networking coaching or interview coaching, or to improve your resume/LinkedIn profile/cover letter, you’ll probably need to meet with me once or twice. If you’re looking to tackle a more complex issue (e.g. if you’re dissatisfied with your current career but don’t know what alternatives would make sense, and/or if there is a significant emotional block like low self-confidence or debilitating anxiety) we’re probably looking at somewhere between four and eight sessions. After a preliminary conversation with you I’ll be able to give you a reasonable estimate.
For the foreseeable future I am only conducting sessions virtually (FaceTime, WhatsApp, Zoom, Skype, or phone). I have found virtual sessions to be just as effective as in-person, in addition to being more convenient for both my clients and me. I can schedule sessions just about any time between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. weekdays, and even on weekends if necessary.
My rate per 50 minute session for professional networking coaching ranges from $250 to $450. The rate varies according to the complexity of the issue(s) we will be working on, and your ability to pay.
If, after our initial meeting we determine that multiple sessions make sense, I will be happy to discuss a package with a reduced per-session fee.
If you are eligible for insurance reimbursement (i.e. if our work together involves a significant emotional or psychological component, and if you have out-of-network mental health benefits), I will be happy to provide you with the documentation necessary for reimbursement. Unfortunately I will not be able to determine whether you have coverage as there are hundreds of types of plans offered by insurance carriers; you will need to contact your carrier or HR department to determine whether your plan provides coverage for my services.
Zelle, Venmo, PayPal, check or cash.
The primary tasks in our first session for professional networking coaching will be:
Yes; it’s an area I have a great deal of familiarity with, having successfully negotiated my own advancement to the top in the very competitive world of advertising.
Most clients don’t recognize how absolutely fundamental professional networking can be both in exploring career alternatives and in landing the right position. Applying to jobs posted online is how most job seekers spend the bulk of their time and energy, but it’s a method that has a very low likelihood of success. Much more productive is reaching out to people who are 1) in a position to help you understand the lay of the land along career paths you’re exploring; 2) who are in a position to know of available jobs before they’re posted; 3) who can give you tips on applying and interviewing for specific positions and; 4) may be willing to lobby on your behalf if you’ve impressed them. A lot of people are uncomfortable with the whole process of professional networking: they might be reluctant to reach out to others because they don’t want to impose or because it feels like they’re using people or because they don’t know what kinds of questions to ask. I can help you with all of these issues.
I have had 4 successful careers – as advertising executive, psychotherapist, non-profit president and career counselor, so I know the challenges inherent in launching and thriving in different jobs. And having built fulfilling lives in 3 vastly different cities- NY LA and DC – gives me valuable additional perspective. Plus having coached many hundreds of clients in just about every conceivable field and through all kinds of challenges I have an unmatched breadth of career knowledge and insight.
Insight – my training as a therapist allows me to better under my clients and helps me provide them with superior guidance. Tone of voice, facial expression, body language, the stories you use to illuminate your history and the way you express yourself – confidently, tentatively, modestly, with an edge – all help me understand you and allow me to tailor our conversations and the homework I usually give so that they achieve maximum impact.
Creativity– I thrived in advertising, a career in which creativity is the most important attribute. It’s one I cherish .Helping my clients think in new ways, see new patterns, and identify opportunities that are sometimes unorthodox are skills that have repeatedly borne fruit.
Intelligence – it’s uncool to boast but as a Phi Beta Kappa, Harvard graduate and Jeopardy winner I think my background speaks for itself.
Curiosity– I’m interested in a huge range of topics ( that really helps on Jeopardy!$ I’ve been to all 50 states and over 80 countries. I speak 5 languages. And what drew me to psychotherapy and career work was the chance to hear the stories and share the experiences and the world view of an astounding variety of people. I love learning about them and coming to understand them.
Achievement orientation ~ I’ve always been motivated by getting results, whether grades, honors, fluency, mastery, or concrete contributions to others. Providing specific, actionable guidance to Help my clients find greater satisfaction in their lives is more than a job – for me it’s a joyous endeavor.
“I will coach you on the techniques you need to do it beautifully.”
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