E18: Career Advice From a Non-Career Coach: Networking Edition

When Does It Get Good?

“Leveraging your network is a big component of the career journey,” says Zovig Garboushian. She discusses how networking is essential for career development, particularly for people going through purposeful or involuntary job transitions. According to Zovig, successful networking requires three key steps: first, communicating your present work in a clear and concise manner to provide context; second, articulating your specific career goals so that your network can assist you successfully; and third, following up to keep the momentum going.

Zovig offers practical examples, comparing vague networking emails to those with clear, focused messaging. Why does clarity matter? Because when you’re specific about what you’re looking for, it not only makes it easier for your network to spot opportunities for you, but it also shows confidence and self-awareness.

Zovig encourages listeners to be proactive and intentional in their career journeys. Building enduring relationships that can influence your career through effective networking is more important than merely reaching out when you need something. It’s about continuously fostering relationships so that you’re ready when opportunities come your way.

Quotes

• “I strongly encourage everybody to talk to people, grab coffees, have video chats or phone calls, get some FaceTime, get some voice time, because that’s how people remember you, and that’s relationship building. And when you have a relationship, people want to help.” (01:41 | Zovig Garboushian)
• “Don't assume people know what you do, even the people who know you well. Telling people what you currently do gives them context, because what you're doing is shaping the conversation with someone who will hopefully want to help you, but they will want to help you more if you ground them in something, if you give them context. Not too much, not too little, but enough so they can calibrate to where you are in your career and who you are to them.”
• “The clearer that you are with yourself about what you’re looking for, the more successfully you can mobilize your network. Do not make people do the work for you.” (07:16 | Zovig Garboushian)
• “When we show up fully prepared, it sends a message about who we are. So if we are hesitant or tentative about how we’re reaching out to people, how we’re presenting ourselves, then the person on the receiving end is going to assume that you’re going to show up that way in every conversation, in every situation. But when you show up fully prepared, it makes someone like me want to go to bat for you. Because if I’m introducing you to someone I know, that’s a relationship I’m extending to you, and that can reflect positively or poorly on me.” (12:16 | Zovig Garboushian)

Links

Connect with Zovig Garboushian:

Website: www.boldnessablazecoaching.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoviggarboushian/

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