When you hear the word "networking" you might think about being in crowded room full of people nervously trying to strike up conversation. Today's guest, Arne Blom, redefines networking and share's a better approach — without coming off as too desperate.

Arne Blom is a former executive and career coach. He's held marketing, sales and general management positions at L’Oréal and J&J. In his last company assignment he was the VP APAC of Laboratoires Filorga, a french premium skincare brand owned by Colgate Palmolive. He's lived in London, Mexico, Brussels, Lisbon, Thailand, Paris and Hong Kong, together with his wife and two daughters. He holds a Certificate in Professional Coaching Mastery from Transcend International in Hong Kong, and is a certified coach (ACC) by the International Coaching Federation. He speaks fluent Norwegian, French, English and Portuguese.

You can chat with Arne here —> https://app.carrus.io/s/arne-blom

Highlights from the show:

[7:53] The definition of networking
[10:35] Why networking is important for your job search and the increasing importance as you move up the ladder
[13:12] Misconceptions, mistakes people have and why they are afraid
[16:30] What you can learn from Alice in Wonderland

[17:25] Step 1 of Arne's technique for networking and reaching out to people he doesn't know (the list)
[19:30] Asking potential hiring managers for feedback without the premise of "looking for a job"
[21:10] The second step in the networking technique (the pitch)
[23:00] The third step in the networking technique (the referral)

[24:00] Talking to assistants, PAs to get to the hiring manager
[27:00] Not directly saying "I am looking for a job" and the benefit of being indirect
[33:00] Asking for "feedback" instead of looking for a job
[40:30] Reframing Arne's technique: asking for feedback, sharing their experience, etc

[50:33] Talking to coaches who have experience to draw upon
[51:14] Common misconceptions of coaching - defining 'career coaching'

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Drop me a message any time at misha@carrus.io!