The List – the Services business network

In a busy world reading is often regarded as a luxury. Messages and the provision of information need to be pithy, thereby increasing the chances of the reader recalling some or all of the detail. With this thought in mind, this article offers some networking fundamentals.

1. Networking is crucial for business development and low-cost recruitment (for those in business) and for employment/career research (for job seekers). The job seeker may be too busy or disinclined to read such worthy publications as Cassells Career Encyclopaedia or Occupations 2006. In any case, reading is inherently one-dimensional and networking meetings allow the job seeker to put some flesh on that one-dimensional bone. A greater depth of understanding of a particular career option can be gained through meeting and listening to people working in that field. If you want to investigate project management, for example, speak to some project managers. Backing research with live networking improves the job seeker’s chances of securing ‘the’ job rather than ‘a’ job. It is bad for morale to pursue ‘a’ job that proves to be highly unsuitable and, for the older job seeker, it can waste precious time.
2. Networks abound but there is no one single, all-embracing network, so they are not mutually exclusive – be involved in as many as possible.
3. Networking is hard work but rewarding. It may be defined as ‘The essential, but time-consuming, subtle use of all contacts, including relatives, in a non-threatening way.’
4. Successful networking requires thought and preparation; job seekers need to portray a professional image and lack of preparation will not impress. ‘Give us a job’ is not networking. If someone is prepared to give up their precious time to advise/help you, the least you can do is to develop an agenda. Some questions might include: ‘I’ve read about your job, what is it like for real?’, ‘What do you think I am worth?’ and ‘We have been chatting now for half an hour; do you think I am on the right lines?’
5. Networking manners are important. Ingratitude will lose you friends and lead to a network implosion. Be ready to buy a drink and/or even write a thank you letter.

The List

The List is an international business and job search network developed to assist all ranks of all three Services including their respective reserves and dependants of all categories. Membership is free. (Quest readers should consider using The List as a networking opportunity alongside all the others that can be identified by the Career Transition Partnership. There is no ‘one or the other’ in networking; the best option is to use all the networks open to you, while being aware of any costs involved – Editor.)

Some more List facts include:

• it has a growing membership of 9,500
• monthly Liquid List meetings are held in London, Edinburgh, Salisbury, Leicester and Lytham St Anne’s; a coordinated attendance list is produced for all locations so that attendees can network outside their area should they so wish
• membership allows its In Business members free PR/marketing and a means of satisfying ongoing recruitment needs; it enables Job Search members to be available and contactable by like-minded ex-Service people who are well aware of their quality; all members receive a monthly newsletter
• joining The List is easy at www.thelistuk.com
• hot jobs on the website offer a low-cost recruitment tool for employers and hundreds of vacancies, which are, of course, targeting Service people
• In Business members of The List work in most sectors in the UK and overseas so there is a wealth of expertise available to job seekers
• Job Search members not only include high-quality Service people of all ranks leaving the Forces any time between now and 2008 but also former Service people with a breadth of commercial experience
• active networkers who wish to take the initiative and contact other members have three purchasing choices which, again, are not necessarily mutually exclusive – On-Line membership, The List book and/or The List CD-ROM.

A case in point: WO2 Nigel Bloomer

‘When I joined the forces in 1980 aged 16, I dreamed of touring the world and seeing life. I had my share of postings around the world, career courses, promotions, operational tours and a little fun. At 40 I thought I was experienced. On my final posting my eyes were opened as I saw Service leavers going through their transition, with my turn soon to come.

‘It took a long time to get into civilian life. Having to book a doctor’s appointment days in advance, paying the dentist, household bills, and seeing the wife and kids daily were all new experiences. The worst part was the insecurity of not being employed by a large employer.

‘When I first left I was content with any line of employment that would give me some mental stimulation. I started in recruitment consultancy, which suited me but didn’t pay the wage I wanted. As a qualified LGV C+E driver, finding other employment was easy. I am now Operations Director of The List, and we have over 300 jobs placed on the website by employers seeking Service leavers.’