Reposted from GreenJobs.com- Amie V gives some really great advice to Green Job Seekers! Thanks Amie!

The art of green networking: 15 tips from a reluctant schmoozer
Posted on September 18, 2008by Amie V.


These tips and tricks apply to all fields as far as I’m concerned, though they’re based on my experience in the world of green.

1. Keep track:keep a spreadsheet with contact info for everyone in your career network with details of when you met, who referred you to them, whether you’ve reached out to them, what they do etc... Keep separate lists of companies and organizations of interest, with contact at each if you have one, and resources to use during the job search.

2. Keep up on your industry: Particularly if you are entering a new field, read, read read. Sign up for all relevant email alerts and newsletters so that you don’t miss a beat. You need to understand the dynamics of the field you are working in and this can help you figure out your place in it.

3. Develop expertise: More than just basic knowledge, become an expert in your specific area of interest. Potential employers always want to see that you really care about something and will be able to become just such an expert on their issues. Blogging can be a great way to force yourself to do research and become an expert in your field of interest.

4. Attend events: Get in the loop on all relevant networking opportunities and go! GreenDrinks is one example.

5. Practice proactive introductions: Take the lead and introduce yourself in any networking situation. Often you have to suck it up and risk feeling awkward in order to connect with someone at a company you admire. When introducing yourself, always open with a compliment or other statement of genuine appreciation acknowledging you know of their work and/or company. People are much more likely to open up to this sort of welcoming introduction.

6. Understand that anyone can be a great connection, regardless of title: A lower level professional can be just as (if not more) valuable a contact than the CEO. While it feels good to leave an event having spoken with the most important person in the room, other people in that room may turn out to be much more useful contacts down the road, contacts who will have time to help you out and share their wisdom.

7. Make business cards even if you are unemployed: It feels good to have something to hand out. And people will be more likely to remember you, not to mention reach out.

8. Follow-up! Develop and practice post event etiquette: write details of everyone you meet on their cards so you won’t forget who they are, what you talked about. Enter their basic info into a spreadsheet. Send emails to as many as youcan saying that it was great to meet, and including a reminder of what you discussed, in case they forgot already, and suggesting a follow-up meeting or conversation where appropriate, say if you have common interests or there is potential for collaboration on a project. At the least remind them what you are interested in and request they keep you in mind.

9. Give introductions and resources: In a networking situation, we all have something or many things to offer. Know what those assets are. If you’ve been networking for a while, chances are this capital can be in the form of valuable introductions. It’s the golden rule. When you talk to someone you are hoping they will direct you to a job lead or informational resource. Try to do the same for them. Always be thinking, who or what do you know that aligns with this person’s interests and aspirations that you could connect them with. And then be reliable about making email introductions. This is an easy favor that will come back to you. Resources, such as websites and blogs, can also be valuable to share. Make a list of your top favorite blogs or websites or job boards and share it. Or if you have another form of capital to share, do so.

10.Engage everyone you know: When looking for a job, send a mass email to a targeted group of friends and family stating what kind of job you are looking for and asking for ideas, referrals, company names, anything. This is how many people find their job. Caution: Choose your favors wisely. If you blast your network with requests daily, this may not be as fruitful.

11.Ask for referrals and introductions: When meeting people for informational interviews or what have you, always ask for referrals to others who would be of help. Networking should be a never-ending game, where leads lead to more leads.

12.Express genuine interest - ask questions and do your research: When you are meeting with someone new, do research beforehand so you have an idea of what they do and can speak intelligently about their company. That said, ask genuinely interested and thoughtful questions, which can be helpful to prepare beforehand. People usually love to talk about their work and love when people are interested in hearing about it.

13.Invest in your resume, bio, and job desires: When being introduced to others, it is essential to have an updated resume on hand to share (clearly). More than that, a bio can be especially helpful when you are networking with people who do not have jobs to give you, but have friends who may have jobs to give you. It is a less formal way of sharing your background in advance of a meeting that does not signal “I want a job” but instead “I want you to know a little bit about me.” It is also helpful to have an email prepared describing what you are looking for, with a list of job titles and industries you are looking at, as well as sample target companies.

14.Get specific: Career counselors have recommended many a time creating a list of your top target companies and sending this into your network to see if anyone knows anyone at any of them.

15.Keep in touch with your network: This is perhaps the hardest, but most important tip. Keep your network fresh. You don’t need to spend all day emailing people individually, but keep your contacts in mind and share pertinent articles, websites, referrals and other information, as well as finding other creative ways to keep your relationships alive.

Reprinted from NCDA Newsletter

Coping With Unemployment
By Tim Lutenski

Those who are unemployed certainly undergo one of life's most traumatic experiences. It is a stressful, life-changing event that can lead to negative mental, physical, and emotional consequences, jeopardize financial security, erode the sense of identity, and cause family relationships to deteriorate.
The biggest challenge and most important job for the unemployed is taking care of oneself. Here are some suggestions to offer assistance and reassurance during times of transition.

First - Prepare Emotionally

Recognize Job Loss Grief
For people who have just lost a job, their initial reaction may be to immediately proceed with a job search; however, this is not always the best strategy. If financially feasible, it may be better to take some time to decompress, mourn the loss, and reassess individual priorities for the future. While there may be pressure, it is not necessary to quickly figure out what to do with the rest of ones life. Take time to filter emotions. Counselors may need to help unemployed clients do the same.

Recognize Job Loss Stages
With job loss people generally go through a series of emotional stages that resemble common reactions to death and divorce (these include shock, denial, sadness, guilt, anger, and acceptance). Individuals may go through some or all of these stages, experience them in any order, and even go through some of these stages more than once. Counselors and their clients need to allow adequate time for working through these stages.

Accept Being Unemployed As A Full-Time Job
Being unemployed can be a difficult, full-time job in itself. It is demanding and a huge energy drain. Clients may not always realize how time consuming a job search can be, so counselors may need to help them prioritize and structure their search in order to commit the needed time and energy. Remember to encourage clients take regular breaks, just as workers do at a "normal" job.

Discard Resentment and Bitterness
Holding on to resentment and bitterness can destroy happiness and prevent one from moving forward. Letting go doesn't mean condoning what has happened; instead, it really is a way to regain control. Clients who remain resentful and bitter give others power over them, breed negative feelings, and keep one locked in the past rather than focusing on the future. Help clients let go in order not to sacrifice critical time, creativity, and energy. Give adequate time to process negative feelings, and then start focusing mental and physical energy on strengths and future goals.

Second - Take Proactive Measures

Budget The Basics
Develop a realistic financial plan for these times of limited financial resources and carefully assess income and expenses. Cut corners where needed, rely on savings, pick up a part-time job to cover essential bills, etc. Counselors may need to assess the financial severity of the client's situation, as some will have greater flexibility with money and time than others.

Maintain a Routine and Take Care of Yourself
Establish a daily routine and maintain a balance in daily activities. Get proper exercise and adequate sleep, maintain good eating habits, stimulate the mind through activities (such as reading and conversation), socialize, avoid excesses (such as gambling and drinking), and reward progress. Even though it can be hard to get up and get dressed in "work clothes" everyday, keeping a somewhat normal routine can help to provide motivation.

Avoid Isolation and Seek Support
Isolation is a common pitfall of unemployment. Get out of the house, or encourage your clients to do so. Find a place to socialize, conduct your job search activities from a local coffee house, join a local job club or support group, and reach out on a regular basis. Couples, families, and friends need to make a strong commitment to stick together. Help your clients assess their network to identify key allies.

Help Others and Volunteer
Look around the community and find worthwhile opportunities to use your skills and talents. This may be a way to gain new skills, engage in networking, and keep you active and energized. Help clients see the value of volunteer work or community involvement while unemployed.

Consider Income Alternatives
Look for opportunities to trade time, skills, and expertise (rather than money) to obtain goods or services. Engage clients in a conversation about this topic to explore alternative income sources.
Add New Job Skills and Broaden Your Identity
Encourage clients to add new job skills not only related to their field, but also skills that will diversify their abilities, enhance their professional marketability, and lead to personal growth. If taking formal classes or seminars is not an option, this can be done inexpensively through self-paced reading, online tools, and resources at your local library.

Seek Out Free Activities
A variety of free activities exist in every community, such as free museum days, community or cultural celebrations, lectures at local book stores, etc. If you draw a blank contact your local college/university or tourist office and find out about free public events being offered.

Third - Look To The Future
Quiet your mind to better connect with your inner self. If you are too busy being busy, you may not be listening to the still, small voice of inspiration and wise counsel inside of yourself. We can assist our clients by guiding them through relaxation and visualization exercises.
Reflect on your past so you can better evaluate what type of job you would like in the future and the right place to find it. Engage clients in a self-assessment process to identify what they both liked and disliked about their past job.

Go exploring. This can be a good time to investigate new careers, gather many new ideas, and rediscover oneself. Follow your passion and research job opportunities. Get out of your comfort zone and find something new, exciting, and completely different. A new job, different career, or new place to live can be found. There's no reward if risks are never taken! Change can be scary for many people, so offer clients a safe place to explore their passions, yet discuss their fears as well.

Focus on personal growth. The energy and effort spent dealing with unemployment will ultimately provide greater meaning, and purpose to your life. We can help our clients identify their strengths, keep a positive mindset, and maintain focus on their personal goals and values.

Coping Does Not Last Forever
These are some suggested actions that can help the unemployed cope with the uncertainties of transition, and more productively utilize personal time in moving towards a better future. Although it is common for many people to feel as if they might be unemployed forever, in actuality most people find jobs relatively soon. Hopefully these suggestions offer some hints to help both ourselves and our clients cope with unemployment while conducting a job search.

Tim Lutenski is an Instructional Specialist at St. Clair County Community College and the Director of For Your Career. He teaches courses, workshops, and seminars, coordinates training in career and educational planning, and provides coaching and consultation services. He works with individuals, groups, and organizations dealing with career issues, and volunteers in providing career guidance to those with special needs, including ex-offenders and the homeless. He can be reached through his web site at http://www.foryourcareer.com/ or via email at info@foryourcareer.com