Balanced Networking

Fueled by an economic downturn, social and career networking sites are full of people using their computers to stay connected with one another. But in a job search, an online approach to networking will only go so far.

"Everyone is looking for a silver bullet in their job search, and that doesn't exist," says Paul DeBettignies, founder of the MN Headhunter recruiting blog. "For example, if you use LinkedIn to identify a potential job or networking contact, sooner or later you'll need to connect by phone and, eventually, in person. You can't find a job without actually talking with somebody."

Clearly, online networking offers benefits. For example, a recent national study by Russell Herder and Ethos Business Law reports that nearly 70 percent of employers believe social networks are valuable recruiting tools. However, according to a 2009 survey of human resource managers by outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas, personal networking is still considered the most effective way for job seekers to secure a new position.

So, what is the best approach to balancing online networking tools with old-fashioned face time? DeBettignies suggests the following tips:

Move select online relationships to personal ones. These days, it's easy to start a relationship through blogging, discussion boards, networking sites or basic e-mail correspondence. If some of those contacts turn out to be more valuable than others, DeBettignies says it's time to move away from the computer. "Most people are social creatures. There's still nothing better for relationship-building than a handshake or a hug, a cup of coffee or a lunch. You can't just write a blog. You need to talk with people."

Know where people connect. This concept can vary widely by location and industry. For instance, DeBettignies says IT professionals in the Twin Cities tend to make great use of Twitter and LinkedIn for electronic networking, while face-to-face gatherings might be built around skill-specific user groups or professional association events. Taking time to locate the right places to be greatly enhances the prospects for successful networking.

Rethink networking ideas. In addition to well-defined electronic and personal networking opportunities, it's also a good idea to consider how social outings-such as worship, recreation or children's activities - can provide new venues to connect. "These are occasions where people frequently ask for ideas about doctors, schools and other things," says DeBettignies. "At some point, it makes sense for people to elevate that conversation to include a job search."

Brett Pyrtle is principal of Turning Point Communications LLC, a communications consulting firm based in St. Paul.

While there is always some element of tension in the workplace, the nation's deep economic recession has ratcheted up the pressure in a big way.

"Stress is a topic everyone feels right now," says Barb Krantz-Taylor, a co-principal and executive coach with The Bailey Consulting Group in Minneapolis. "Managers and employees may have different perspectives on what causes the stress, but they are really talking about the same things - worries about what is happening now, and what could happen later."

Recent studies confirm that stress is not only widespread, but a major contributor to undesirable workplace behaviors. For example, a Florida State University study of married working couples found that 70 percent of men and women reported increased stress levels at work since fall 2008 - the time when financial markets took unexpectedly steep drops. During that same period, 55 percent of workers reported that managers had become increasingly demanding, and fully 40 percent said negative behaviors - such as "backstabbing" or "sucking up" - had significantly increased in their companies.

Left unchecked, personal stress can spread faster than the common cold. When employees feel besieged by negative events, Krantz-Taylor said they often resort to "stress-relieving" behaviors, such as gossiping, spreading rumors or venting feelings on co-workers. While the act often provides short-term relief, it does little to address the root causes of stress.

How can workers take steps to feel more calm and balanced in trying times? Krantz-Taylor suggests several tips, including:

Manage interactions. If a balanced diet is the key to good physical health, the same can apply to a sound frame of mind. That means reducing high exposure to economic news and negative co-workers. "If people engage in activities that constantly bring them down, they need to change that behavior," says Krantz-Taylor. "If they are prone to worry about things, they need to do a better job of controlling what they listen to or what conversations they choose to participate in."

Accept uncertainty. Even in good economic times, the average job does not come with guaranteed security. Instead of fighting the tide, a smarter way to handle ambiguity may be to sharpen job skills, freshen up the résumé, and expand professional networks. By taking control of those active, forward-looking steps, workers can reduce their own personal stress while positioning themselves for future opportunities.

Take care of self. When stress rules the day, many people compensate by turning inward - rather than outward. Krantz-Taylor says that is exactly the wrong thing to do. "There are times, regardless of how the economy or the job market is doing, when a person needs to put all of those things aside and do what they love."

Brett Pyrtle is principal of Turning Point Communications LLC, a marketing communications firm based in St. Paul.