Why Networking Works for Project Managers

by Donna Russell on March 10th, 2010

Networking has been and always will be the tool and technique used by project managers in regards to building and securing their project teams.  Networking also works well when integrated into the career of project managers to help them find and secure their next project management opportunity.

Why Network?

No longer can a project manager sit in an office and manipulate software to get work done -- work is done through people.  It takes communication: up to 90% as evidenced on the PMP exam to accomplish successful projects.  If not assigned to you, you are networking and negotiating to find your dream team (and I don't mean the dream team that gives you nightmares).  I mean the team of qualified, subject matter experts that will accomplish the goals and objectives of your project. 

Building a solid networking list will help you when you need to replace or add people to you team for reasons outside of your control.

Benefits to you career:  If you have taken my PMP certification class, you know that I am a strong proponent of networking using handbills.  Handbills, if done correctly can facilitate the discussion with anyone in regards to your next career opportunity.  There are many project managers that have found out that when they network, they give more than they get! 

You may say, "Really?"

This is the secret behind successful networking -- helping others in their career pursuits.  Give me your thoughts!

 

 

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Ron Cwik

PMP Certification Training, 2008

Great training facility. Great instructors. Great experience.

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A Cisco Success Story

I attended a resume writing seminar & conducted mock phone interviews with a Microtrain career counselor. These two activities gave me a leg up on distinguishing myself from all the other people looking for work. Since the career counselor's at Microtrain had a track record of getting people hired, their insight and positive past experiences helped me tremendously in getting hired with a Cisco Voice Systems Integrator in the Chicago area. I was hired as a Cisco Voice Tech Engineer with a starting salary of $65,000 / year with a Cisco voice systems reseller located in the Chicagoland area. Microtrain was very instramental in making this a reality. From expediting my WIA grant, to providing excellent hands-on training from knowledgable instructors I was able to achieve becoming certified with my CCNP. Microtrain's career services was the final catalyst in connecting me with this company by communicating with them on my behalf and with me in setting up the interview. One week later and I was hired. No joke. Thanks Microtrain!

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Dawn has been a pleasure to work with. She is diligent in her efforts to give MicroTrain’s students the best opportunities to connect and network with various companies and players in the job market. The curriculums and certification programs are in line with today’s current IT needs. It’s good to see that they evolve with what employers are most seeking out there. I would recommend to any employer that hires skilled IT workers that they look into MicroTrain’s career services department as a potential source of candidates. The business of hiring can be quite costly, and Dawn and her staff provide a free service to outside companies. This value-add for MicroTrain’s students aligns with their mission in both training and job assistance to set up a win/win scenario for all involved.

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PMP Certification Training, Lombard, 2008

I was laid off for many months and not really getting many callbacks for my resume and no job offers. After I put the letters PMP on it, not only did I see an increase in quantity, but also quality of interviews. I had been spinning my wheels for 5 months, and after the PMP went on, I had 2 job offers in 6 weeks. It really was the "golden ticket"

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