Exploration & Differentiation through Research

October 24, 2017

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Why research?

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Different stages of research

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Exploration Focus Deepen

External: What are my options?Internal: What do I want?

What fits my strengths & competencies the most?

What fits my values, styles & goals the most?

Different stages of networking

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Diverge ConvergeEnhance

Incumbents, referrals,existing network

Expand network with a narrower focus

Decision markers, deep company knowledge

Special profiles: Career changers, thought leaders, fast movers, super connectors

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Diverge ConvergeEnhance

Incumbents, referrals,existing network

Expand network with a narrower focus

Decision markers, deep company knowledge

Exploration Focus Deepen

External: What are my options?Internal: What do I want?

What fits my strengths & competencies the most?

What fits my values, styles & goals the most?

What to research on?

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Areas of research

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Role

Company

Industry

• Competencies required, experience, education/training (grades matter?), activities; reporting structure

• Culture/values (how decisions are made, career development, etc), organizational structure, size, position in the market

• Senior leadership profiles/career paths• Annual reports, news

• Trends• News • Key players• Location/market: Lifestyle, costs of living, size of the industry you are

interested in

Resources for research

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Different forms of networking research

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Examples:

LinkedIn

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• Company page

• People’s profiles• Alumni: www.LinkedIn.com/alumni• LinkedIn Jobs (& job alert)

Know your keywords

How do I reach out?

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• Start with those you know

• Do your research before reaching out• Be respectful of others' time• Be timely

• Be humble and confident• Be grateful• Reciprocity

Know your why

“Cold” connections

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• Alumni group

• Special interest groups• People who worked in the same companies

• Personalize your invitation• Send a "thank you" when they accept your

invitation and drive the relationship further

Examples

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“I see you also attended Sauder School of Business for your MBA and that you have since established a strong career in … Becoming an expert in … has always been a goal and I’d like to learn about your

journey .”

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“I'm a fellow project management professional and notice we have 34 mutual connections so I thought I would invite you to connect in case our knowing each other might be mutually beneficial.“

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“I’ve enjoyed reading your comments on the …group discussion board especially your unique perspectives on ... I would love to connect.”

“I see you also attended Sauder School of Business for your MBA. I’m currently looking at choosing my career track and would love your advice since we both have similar undergraduate background!”

What make them good/bad?

“Warm” connections

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People you just met or got introduced

• “I heard you speak at [NAME of EVENT]; and was inspired by your message. I’ve always been interested in … and have been …Can we connect as I’ve love to…”

• “We haven’t met yet, but my friend Sam speaks very highly of you especially when it comes to …, I wanted to invite you to connect to introduce myself…”

Reciprocity

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• Pay attention to their pain points, interests and needs

• “What keeps you up at night at this job?/What are some challenges you are facing?”

• Send them valuable links, tools

• Endorse, recommend (without being asked to or asking for one in return)

• Offer to make introductions

• Update them on how you are doing and check in on them

“What can I do for you?”

Other research resources

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• Job postings and job boards• Indeed• List of job boards on myMBA Career

• Vault (linked from COOL)• Career sites from career roadmaps and other resources on myMBA

Career• Industry blogs• David Lam Management Library • Company websites – Don’t just stop there!• Conferences/association events/sites, etc.• Social media

Tools to track your research

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Excel!

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myMBA Career > Networking Toolkit > Research & Connectivity Planning Document

Other apps

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Evernote Trello Contact management

apps

Questions

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