Before coming to the Chicago Urban League, I spent about 15 years of my career working as a hiring manager. That’s when I first made a startling observation about African American professionals: We are clueless about how to manage our careers. It’s sad bu
Too often, African American professionals get into a good-paying position and a false sense of security sets in. I’ve seen this happen dozens of times and I still scratch my head. I think to myself, "Well, perhaps the journey to that good job was so stressful that many people just want to rest on their laurels."
Or maybe they don’t want to upset the apple cart. OK, fine. But know the risks of your inaction. In spite of your reserved parking spot, VIP pass, or anointing as the next office star, reality dictates you could be one dip in the profit margin away from joblessness. In the corporate game, no matter how satisfied you are in your current job, you should always keep your name in play and your eyes on your next good job.
You say, "I’m not ready to leave my current job." Keeping your options open isn’t the same as being ready to leave. But let’s face itùjob security is an oxymoron, especially among middle managers who are often hardest hit during layoffs. Unfortunately, that is also where you’ll find some of your more talented, upwardly mobile Black professionals in companies that value diversity.
Staying in the game really comes down to expanding your network to include key decision-makers at companies and keeping your skills sets relevant and up to date. More importantly, networking is empowering; it’s an important way for professionals to understand and appreciate their value and their worth in the job market. Two weeks ago, the Urban League launched nextTHURSDAYS, an invitation only networking reception.
The events, held once a month, allow sponsoring employers the opportunity to connect with a talent pool of highly qualified business professionals eager to move up the corporate ladder. Professionals get the added benefit of being able to talk with peers and cultivating relationships with potential employers that start with a handshake, not an electronic resume.
Unlike traditional networking events that tend to be more social and transitory than professional and substantive, the nextTHURSDAYS networking receptions are designed to optimize networking and yield measurable results.
Each two-and-a-half hour event is broken into four segments: A general networking session during which professional executive coaches observe attendees and then give advice on how to turn that connection into opportunity; an overview of the purpose and vision of nextTHURSDAYS; a guest speaker; and a roundtable discussion of four to six people led by a facilitator during dinner. Remember : nextTHURSDAYS is by invitation only; no showing up at the door.
For more information on how you can participate, go to: www.thechicagourbanleague. org/nextThursday’s event. The League is always seeking corporate sponsors. For more information on how your company can participate in nextTHURSDAYS, go to: nextThursdays@thechicagourbanleague.org. Getting invited to the event is only half the journey. Effective networking requires skill and etiquette.
With that in mind, I leave you with some networking do’s and don’ts:
Do:
ûArrive confident, self-assured and do your homework about the decision-makers in the room.
ûKnow your personal brand. Speak and express yourself according to the image you want to present.
ûPerfect your elevator speech. Describe who you are, your value and what you’d like to do in 45 seconds or less.
ûDon’t stand on the sidelines or spend all of your time with friends and non-decision makers. Work the room and meet the right people.
ûMaintain eye contact and try and to connect personally to build a rapport.
Don’t:
ûOverindulge in alcohol. That’s self-explanatory.
ûBe double-fistedûfood in one hand and a drink in the other. Always be ready to shake a hand or reach for a business card.
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