The,Value,Informational,Interv DIY The Value of Informational Interviews in Moving Forward on a

Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;mso-style-noshow:yes;mso-style-parent:"";mso-padding-alt:0in When starting a new work at home business it is very easy to become consumed by it. We spend so much time trying to get the business up and running that we may end up becoming burned out and lose our motivation. There is so much to learn and

800x600 Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;mso-style-noshow:yes;mso-style-priority:99;mso-style-parent:"";mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;mso-para-margin:0in;mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:widow-orphan;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";}In today’s fast paced society, it is notuncommon for people to want results quickly when they are in need of something.  However, when you are looking to obtainsomething of value in your life, such as a new job, beginning a new venture orbecoming an expert in a field in which you know little or nothing about, quickand easy is just not going to cut it. When that is the situation you are in, you are going to need to take thetime, reach out to others and conduct a thorough research process to build boththe knowledge and recognition factor you will need to be successful in your newendeavor.     The informational interview isa valuable tool for you in terms of gaining that knowledge and making inroadsinto any new venture you are looking to try. While I first learned of it as a solid skill to use in conducting asuccessful job search campaign, I can see the value it provides even outsidethe area of seeking employment.  Theinformational interview is based on the following:  Youare seeking to build lifelong relationships with people in the field in whichyou are interested. Youare looking to let those who are already in your area of interest know of yourdesire to become part of their field, and that you are anxious to learn how toimprove your knowledge and skill sets to be part of that fraternity. Youare seeking information from the person to whom you are speaking, notspecifically a handout or an offer. Others are usually very willing to share their knowledge and passionwhen approached properly, and certainly when there are not expectations on thepart of the one doing the questioning. Youare hoping to make such an impression on the person from whom you are seekinginformation they are willing to provide you referrals to others who may be ableto expand your knowledge further, particularly if your initial contact is notan expert on a particular part of the field in which you are interested. Thatas you proceed forward with your knowledge building in your new field, that youkeep in touch with your contact as to progress you are making, offer themdetails on new facts you are learning as you continue building your expertiseand let them know how you are becoming more and more a part of the field inwhich both of you share an interest.     While the term “interview” implies a certain formality to the process,particularly when you are reaching out to gather information from someone towhom you have been referred or may have contacted through a letter writing ortelephone campaign, it does pay to be prepared. Know the information you are seeking to learn.  Prepare a list of meaningful questions aheadof time that you are looking to ask the person with whom you are speaking, andmake them appropriate to their level of expertise.  When setting up the interview session, berespectful of their time.  If they are avery busy person, ask for only 15 or 20 minutes.  For most others, a 30 minute conversation isan appropriate length.     When in the actual interview, stick to the topic and questions athand.  Certainly, when you first meet theperson to speak, exchange pleasantries and get to know each other.  However, once thanking the person for seeingyou and explaining why you are there (this is always something good to do,because you may have made the session for the informational interview severaldays before, and the person may not remember why you are there to see them),stick to the topic and your questions. If the other person gets off track, acknowledge their answer, but thenget back to your questions.  Certainlyalso take notes during the session.  Thishelps in several ways:It will encourage the person to share more as they see you are extremely interested in what they are saying.If you seek out informational interviews with several individuals on your topic of choice, you will know who said what.It helps to keep you on track in terms of keeping the questioning focused on your agenda.     Above allremember, the informational interview is your meeting and your goal is to getall you can out of it.  However, allmeans gathering the best information possible, not necessarily getting justother names to contact, (that’s nice if it happens but not necessary), and itcertainly is not to come out with an offer of a job or whatever particularobjective you are seeking.  Be gratefulfor whatever help another gives you and assume they are doing their best toprovide you the best guidance possible. Finally, remember this is part of a process of building relationships inyour field of interest, so certainly look to stay in touch with the person withwhom you have spoken, even if that is just an occasional card or e-mail to keepthem abreast of your progress.