Last updated on Jul 21, 2024

You're seeking to grow your network in manufacturing. How can you make the most of informational interviews?

In the world of manufacturing, expanding your professional network is as crucial as refining your production processes. Informational interviews can be a goldmine for insights and connections, but only if you approach them strategically. These informal conversations with industry professionals offer a unique opportunity to learn about different roles, companies, and the state of the manufacturing sector. By preparing thoughtfully, you can transform a simple chat into a pivotal networking moment that could open doors to new collaborations, opportunities, and knowledge.

1 Prepare Thoroughly

Before diving into an informational interview, it's essential to do your homework. Research the person you're meeting, their company, and the broader industry context. This preparation not only shows respect for their time but also enables you to ask informed questions that go beyond the basics. By demonstrating genuine interest and knowledge, you create a positive impression that could lead to more in-depth discussions and valuable insights about trends and challenges in manufacturing.

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Martha Lucia Olmos Mora

Export ❘ Quick Negotiation ❘ Potentialize your sales ❘ Tezliksoftware ❘ Web applications development
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La preparación es la clave del éxito. Imaginen que están a punto de iniciar una negociación importante con un nuevo proveedor. Conozcan todos los detalles de su fabrica, sus productos y precios antes de sentarse a hablar. Una vez, antes de una gran reunión con un cliente potencial, dediqué tiempo a investigar sus necesidades y expectativas. Esa preparación me permitió ofrecer soluciones precisas y cerramos un trato beneficioso para ambas partes. La preparación les da confianza y les permite anticipar y manejar cualquier situación que se presente.

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2 Set Clear Goals

To maximize the benefits of informational interviews, you need to set clear goals. What do you want to learn? Are you exploring new career paths in manufacturing or seeking advice on technological advancements? Having specific objectives will guide the conversation and ensure you cover the topics that matter most to you. It will also help the interviewee provide targeted information and possibly suggest other contacts who can further aid your networking efforts.

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Martha Lucia Olmos Mora

Export ❘ Quick Negotiation ❘ Potentialize your sales ❘ Tezliksoftware ❘ Web applications development
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Tener metas claras les da dirección y propósito. Por ejemplo, cuando mi equipo y yo vamos a una fábrica ayudarle al empresario a reducir los tiempos de producción en un 15%, todos sabíamos exactamente hacia dónde íbamos y cómo contribuir. Establecer metas específicas y medibles, como mejorar la eficiencia o aumentar las ventas, les ayudará a mantenerse enfocados y a evaluar su progreso. Una vez logramos un aumento en la producción del 10% en seis meses simplemente estableciendo metas claras y trabajando juntos para alcanzarlas.

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3 Listen Actively

Active listening is a key component of successful informational interviews. Pay close attention to what the other person is saying and show that you value their insights by engaging with their points. This not only helps in building rapport but also encourages the interviewee to share more openly. Remember, the goal is to build a connection and learn, not just to get your own questions answered.

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Martha Lucia Olmos Mora

Export ❘ Quick Negotiation ❘ Potentialize your sales ❘ Tezliksoftware ❘ Web applications development
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Escuchar activamente es crucial para entender las necesidades y preocupaciones de su equipo y sus clientes. En una ocasión, un cliente se quejaba de problemas recurrentes con la entrega de productos. Al escucharlo atentamente, identificamos que había un problema en nuestra logística interna que necesitaba ser solucionado. Escuchar activamente no solo resuelve problemas, sino que también construye relaciones de confianza y respeto

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4 Follow Up

After the interview, don't let the connection fade away. Send a thank-you note expressing appreciation for their time and the information shared. Mention specific points from the conversation to show that you were attentive and valued their insights. This follow-up is an opportunity to solidify the relationship and keep the door open for future interactions.

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Martha Lucia Olmos Mora

Export ❘ Quick Negotiation ❘ Potentialize your sales ❘ Tezliksoftware ❘ Web applications development
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La persistencia es fundamental. Habrá momentos en los que enfrentarán desafíos y obstáculos, pero la clave es no rendirse. Recuerdo cuando estábamos desarrollando una nueva función para nuestro software y nos encontramos con varios problemas técnicos. En lugar de abandonar, seguimos adelante, investigamos soluciones y al final logramos implementar una función innovadora que nuestros clientes valoraron mucho. La perseverancia siempre paga.

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5 Expand Your Reach

Use the information and advice gained from the interview to reach out to other professionals in the manufacturing industry. The interviewee may have suggested names or you might have identified new areas of interest to explore. By continuously expanding your reach, you increase your visibility and chances of encountering opportunities that align with your career goals.

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Martha Lucia Olmos Mora

Export ❘ Quick Negotiation ❘ Potentialize your sales ❘ Tezliksoftware ❘ Web applications development
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No se limiten a lo conocido; busquen nuevas oportunidades y expandan su red. Participar en ferias comerciales, eventos de la industria y redes sociales profesionales como LinkedIn puede abrirles puertas a nuevas colaboraciones y mercados. Una vez, asistí a una conferencia donde conocí a un potencial socio de negocios. Esa conexión nos permitió expandir reconocimiento en el mercado y aumentar ventas. Ampliar su alcance les permite descubrir nuevas oportunidades y crecer de manera continua.

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6 Reflect and Adapt

After each informational interview, take time to reflect on what you learned and how it applies to your goals in manufacturing. Consider what went well and what could be improved for future conversations. This reflection will help you refine your approach, making each interview more effective than the last. It's a continuous learning process that will enhance your networking skills over time.

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You're seeking to grow your network in manufacturing. How can you make the most of informational interviews?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Prepare Thoroughly

2 Set Clear Goals

3 Listen Actively

4 Follow Up

5 Expand Your Reach

6 Reflect and Adapt

Manufacturing

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You're seeking to grow your network in manufacturing. How can you make the most of informational interviews?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Prepare Thoroughly

2 Set Clear Goals

3 Listen Actively

4 Follow Up

5 Expand Your Reach

6 Reflect and Adapt

Manufacturing

Rate this article

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