Networking tip: Why being the oddball is the ideal

Have you ever found yourself in a networking situation where you felt completely out of place?

Have you shown up at a meeting where you’re clearly the oldest, the youngest, the only male, the only female, the only one of your field?

If not, you’re doing something wrong.

Your standard professional networking opportunities are great, no doubt.  But if you think they have the job market cornered, you’re missing out.  By networking in a meaningful way with a wide variety of professionals, you not only increase your opportunities, you improve your professional image.  You show that you can relate to and share interests with diverse groups, and that you’re comfortable outside your element.  Plus, your uniqueness adds interest.  When people meet you and recognize your uniqueness, they’ll ask more questions to learn how you relate to the group.  You’ll be more memorable.

Don’t close yourself off to opportunity.  Meet and connect with everyone that you can.
photo credit: pshutterbug

Related posts:

1. Networking with confidence: You cannot fail
2. Job search over 50: Unique challenges, unique opportunities
3. Trust and Networking: 3 Keys to a Business Network that Works
4. Too much networking: Is there such a thing?
5. Left out on LinkedIn: How can I use LinkedIn more effectively?

Tagged as: brand, Career, job hunt, job search, networking