A521.8.4.RB - Making Contact

A521.8.4.RB - Making Contact

by

Terrance Le Shore

An ePortfolio Blogger Assignment

Submitted to the Worldwide Campus

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements

of Course MSLD 521, Leadership Communication

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
November 2015

A521.8.4.RB – Making Contact

            In my discussion for Module 8 Prejudgment, I talk about my department where there are basically 2 demographics, old white males and young white males. And how I was wrong with my prejudgments of both groups. I have learned that in both groups I have found people that I not only share a similar education (I thought this was all I would have in common with them), but also politics, music, and family culture. I have not only found good co-workers, but great friends.

            Are you able to "work a room" with ease? How comfortable are you striking up a conversation with someone new? These were question up to 5 years ago I would have answered emphatically “NO”. I couldn’t work a room because of what (McKay, Ph.D., Davis, Ph.D., & Fanning, 2009) described as Fear of Strangers. It took looking at my career goals and looking for someone to talk to (a mentor), to show me the importance of making contacts.

            Too often, though, whether it's due to fear, lack of job-seeking experience, or pure laziness, employees revert to the internal job posting with a dismissive shrug. Most employees don’t have an extensive list of connections for the simple reason that they have yet learn to make professional contacts. But, that doesn't mean that you should disregard networking. Instead, take a direct, proactive approach and seek out new contacts. (Clag, 2015)

            Being able to develop and use contacts is an important skill that will help you to be successful not only in your search for work experience and job opportunities but in all areas of your life. There is an old saying “It's not what you know but who you know and who knows you”. Making contacts (networking) involves using the people that you know, or can get to know, for help and advice. By starting with your own contacts and then asking them about their contacts, and so on, you are likely to find someone who can help you to find out more about a particular area of employment. They may even offer you some work experience or shadowing.

Many jobs are filled through personal contacts rather than advertisements. This is often referred to as the hidden job market. In order to find out about these opportunities in the organization or industry that you are interested in you need to know people who work there. Starting to build your networks (contacts) early during your career will place you in a strong position for entering the employment market.

References

Clag, M. (2015). Making The Connections: Beyond Networking. Experience.

McKay, Ph.D., M., Davis, Ph.D., M., & Fanning, P. (2009). Messages The Communication Skills Book. Oakland: New Harbinger.