NETWORKING: The Top 10 Networking Buzz Words
Just as employers run queries on resume databases for certain buzz words - and even scan by eye on hard copies for buzz words - networking contacts' ears perk up when they hear networking buzz words.
Think of networking buzz words as verbal SEO. When you pepper networking buzz words into your networking conversations, your contacts (and potential contacts) will pick up on them, which may help boost your credibility. Try peppering these top 10 networking buzz words (or dirivatives thereof) into your networking conversations:
1 ) Networking. Not
surprisingly, "networking" is a top networking buzz word to
use. Mention that you networked with a prominant person or that you
were networking at a high-end function in town.
2 ) Leadership.
Knowing how to lead can take you out of the "worker bee"
ranks. As such, don't hesitate to mention that you've attended a
recent leadership workshop, lead a team, etc.
3 ) iPhone and
Blackberry. If you mention using the "it" smart phone
of the moment, then your networking contacts may ask you about it.
And, if you notice one using a Blackberry, ask him/her why s/he
decided upon that smart phone instead of an iPhone. This shows
you're in tune with the latest and greatest technology.
4 ) Sales. Mention
that you've sold, that you sell, that you were in sales. Nothing in
business happens until something is sold, after all. And, since most
people only care about making money or saving money, their ears will
pick up because you mentioned your ability to make money.
5 ) Project management.
These two words do triple duty. When you're networking with other
professionals, their ears will likely pick up "project,"
"management," or "project management."
6 ) Compliance.
Using this networking buzz word indicates that you're familiar with
quality and regulatory concerns in a management sense.
7 ) Web 2.0 and Web
3.0. It's amazing how some will want to join any conversation
when they overhear "Web 2.0" or "Web 3.0." Not
everybody is a whiz at either, but they'll figure if you're talking
about either Web 2.0 or Web 3.0, then you must know more than them.
8 ) Partner(ed/ing).
By mentioning a partnering arrangement, or that you've partnered with
another team, company or person, you're showcasing your business
savvy. Professionals' ears perk up when they hear "partnering"
because it implies you know how to build others by building yourself.
And most want in on an arrangement like that.
9 ) Financial advisor.
Just by mentioning your financial advisor - or that you have
a financial advisor - indicates you've reached a certain professional
and financial level. Discussing your financial advisor (without
divulging your private finances) brands you as a successful
professional - which is part of the point of networking.
10 ) Social media.
Like discussing smart phones, as well as Web 2.0 and Web 3.0,
mentioning social media - and social media sites like LinkedIn and
Twitter - shows you're up to date with networking best practices.
Using the term "social media" also implies that you're
versed in how to use them. And that will make your networking
contacts' ears perk up.
IN THE CARAVAN: Networking buzz words are like verbal SEO because networking contacts' ears will latch on to them and potentially raise your stock and add to your branding efforts.
LATER TODAY: How to Use Verbal SEO and Why It Matters (Supplemental)
NEXT TUESDAY: Balancing Your Social Networking
Check out last Tuesday's posts:
NETWORKING: Put Your Networking On Autopilot
NETWORKING: Know When to Take It Off Autopilot (Supplemental)
Indeed Jobs
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Comments