Story Analytics

Blogathon Workspace, 10:30 AM

This is a guest post by Heather Urquhart, a Business Analyst relocating from Montreal to Vancouver on August 1st. She is also a marathoner. So I thought it would be interesting have a marathon runner do a blogathon post! She is also looking for a Business Analyst position in Vancouver, if you know anyone hiring! Her profile can be found here and in twitter as @H_Urquhart.

First, thanks for the opportunity to write this post and take part in the blogathon. It’s a bit of a new experiment for me, like the rest of my life at the moment.

I’ve worked as a business analyst, and I like processes. Right now, I’m in the process of moving from Montreal to Vancouver,and I think I’ve been approaching it in a bit of BA kind of way. I set my goal, determined what I needed to do, and wrote down how I was going to do it all.

Networking is high on that list, both socially and professionally. I’m going to have to meet some people, and I’m going to have to find a job. And I’m not the type to just let that happen and hope for the best.
So how does one go about building a network in a new city?

Recently, a friend who is looking for a job said to me, “I really don’t know many people.” She said there’s just the other parents at her kids’ soccer games, who are all career people, her dentist, her hairdresser, and the like. This got me thinking about networking and the networking process. There’s more to it, but here’s my take on a brief overview.

I think the first step – and one of the hardest for me – is to acknowledge that you need to reach out to people and ask for help. A network of one is not much of a network. Happily, once you get past this, it turns out that most people are more than happy to offer a contact, tip, or bit of advice.

Once you’ve acknowledged this, you need to act on it. Tell everyone you know that you are looking for a job (or whatever you happen to be looking for). Do not overlook anyone just because you don’t see an immediate connection to what you need. This is where my friend’s example comes in. Those “career people” who might seem so far from what she wants to do – they know other career people in different areas. Dentists, hairdressers, and dry cleaners deal and chat with people from all sections of the community. Don’t discount anyone. Just the other day, I got a job tip from my mover!

As you are telling everyone you know, put yourself “out there” so people you don’t know can find you. Create accounts with complete profiles on networking sites such as LinkedIn and Twitter. Become active, and stay active. Add relevant content and connect with people. Don’t expect to get a job from every new contact or follower, of course, but recognize the value of your growing network.

When leads and tips start to come in, follow up on every one that you get. If someone gives you a job tip, check it out. Got an e-mail address of a manager at that great company you’ve been dying to work for? Send a note. Your friend has a friend who’s willing to talk to you? Ask to meet for lunch.

I think that last one is key – when you follow up, ask for a face-to-face meeting. There is no better way to make a connection, present your true image, and leave a lasting impression. More generally, join a club or group that interests you, get out, and put your best face forward. Be ready to ask questions, listen, learn, and talk about what you’re looking for. Be positive and just have fun with it. As I go through my process, this is the next step I’ll be working on!