Cast a Wide Net(work)

Those who enjoy fishing know many fishermen prefer to catch live bait from the body of water where they plan to fish. Makes sense. That’s what the big fish are eating, so present them with what is appetizing and seasonal.

Some of you may have used a cast net, or throw net, to catch live bait. For those who haven’t, a cast net is a circular net with small weights tied around the edge. Thrown by hand, it’s supposed to spread out in a majestic circle before it floats to the bottom of the water. Sometimes, it just makes a big splash! 

When you’re out of work, network. As you are developing your objective or summary statement for your resume, don’t wait to start networking. Networking will help you fine tune your objective and cover letter. 

When networking, you need to cast a wide net, if you want to stay in your industry. Honestly, during any job search, you need to get your resume in front of as many people as possible. You can always say no to an offer that you have received. But you can’t if you have just one or two options. 

Cast a wide net over your inner circle

They will love you through the journey! Reach out to your family, friends, small group at church and your deacon, elder, and pastor.  

They will know of job opportunities that have not been posted. Someone in your inner circle may be an entrepreneur that is developing a business plan but isn’t ready to actively search for employees. Networking allows you to get your name and talent in front of those people. 

Your inner circle may have unique connections. Some businesses are created by college roommates, casual conversations, or even through small group bible studies. The owner of one company hired many of the executive staff that he met in a men’s bible study group. 

Your inner circle will pray for you. My wife was working at a church when she asked the staff to pray for me as I was looking for a new career. A few months later, we learned that the husband of a staff member was getting ready to launch a startup business. I applied and was hired as one of the first employees. 

Cast a wide net over your industry connections

When you are emailing or sending LinkedIn messages, remain professional. Do not use any of your “emotional words” that you wrote down or yelled out loud. Leave that for your digital diary or your personal pages. Simply let your former colleague know that you are no longer with the previous company and that you are exploring new career options. While you can ask directly for a job lead, I’d recommend asking them to keep you in mind for future projects or when business resumes. 

Tell them what you learned from them and how they helped you grow in the industry. If you want them to recommend you to a job or give you a lead, keep the focus on them. Even during the downturn in the economy, there will be new opportunities that are forged from the fire. When we are forced to be creative and come up with solutions, we do. New industries, ideas, and inventions explode when we are forced to be creative and come up with solutions. As we are actively networking, we may find a new career in one of these companies. 

Many people are wary of connecting with people they were not formally introduced to at a meeting or casual gathering. Right now, just connect. Connect with everyone. You can delete or block them if they turn out to be someone you don’t want in your life, but it’s about shaking virtual hands during this unprecedented time. 

Take advantage of your local chamber of commerce. On a recent chamber orientation over Zoom (yes, businesses owners are joining the chamber DURING the quarantine!), people were sharing how busy they were (mortgage company), how they were focused on building their studio (photography), and how they are taking advantage of being laid off (writing, networking). 

Connecting via video conferencing, chatting publicly or privately about job opportunities, and participating in chamber webinars, how-to seminars, and virtual ribbon cuttings are other ways to find local jobs in your industry that may not be posted. 

Cast a wide net

Haven’t had any success? Cast on the other side.

In John 21, when Jesus appeared to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, the disciples had been fishing all night without success. Jesus encouraged them to “cast the net” on the other side of the boat.

He didn’t recommend giving up and cutting their loses. Like fishing, networking takes patience. Your first toss of the net may be clumpy. Keep practicing. The disciples trusted Jesus, cast their net on the other side, and needed help to haul in their large catch.

You can’t be afraid of trying something different. 

You may need to try the other side of the boat.

You will always benefit from and bless others when networking.