Networking Strategy

I work at Company "A", and Client "B" has been a customer for a few major projects. I am interested in working for Client B which is located out of state. I do not have a personal relationship with anyone at Client B. Coincidentally, through other networking chanels, I was given the name of the individual at Client B who was a key player in several projects.

I would like to contact the individual at Client B without disturbing any relationships at either company. I'd also like to stay in good regards at my current company.

How do I ensure confidentiality? How do I best conduct this networking strategy? Any recommendations or standard practices are greatly appreciated.

[Scott]

Hi Gyro and welcome to the site!

Great subject for a discussion I think - I'm sure there are many ways you can go about this.

Do you have any legitimate business reason to contact this person - check up on a project, follow up on a sales lead, etc? That would probably be the best way to develop a relationship.

The first point of contact is the most important part, from there it's fairly simple to continue the relationship. For example, after contact is made you could offer some suggestions relating to your_job_role, his/her_function and their_business.

May setup a forum to deal with networking I think. I feel this subject warrants more discussion!

Scott

[Scott]

In fact I just did! Cheers for the 1st post in the new forum Gyro!

Scott

[John Gates]

Gyro,

Unfortunately, there are are no guarantees, especially when you are in an industry where folks are connected. When it comes time to seriously consider you for a job, I'm afraid that someone from Client B will almost certainly talk to contacts in Company A about a reference.

Some people are willing to respect your confidential search, understanding that it might endanger your position at Company A, but most will do some kind of reference to see if talking with you is worth their time.

John

Thanks for the responses to date. I wasn't expecting a new forum category, but I'm glad it worked out.

To answer some questions:
No, I don't have a legitimate business reason to contact the person at "B," and I wouldn't want to start talking (even hinting) about opportunities while physically at "A," my present employer. We have finished the project, and I wouldn't be the individual making the follow up call. In fact, I would have no reason to talk to this indivudal unless it was in a large conference call.

My gut feeling is to approach him from my home email account, saying that I got his name through the 3rd party networking contact. I will ask him to keep it confidential, and if any opportunites arise, that I would be interested. To clarify: I'm not looking to start or improve the inter-company relationship, just my personal adgenda to find a job. (selfish purposes!)

John, regarding your comment--isn't it standard practice for hiring managers and HR reps to NOT contact your current employer when you are looking to move on to your next position? This would give away that you are looking!

This brings to mind another related topic, but I'll post it under a new heading.

[Scott]

At least in the UK it's standard practice not to contact your current employer - at least most recruiters and employers are savvy enough not to do something so stupid!

Do you have the potential to attend a conference with this individual soonish? Or any other contacts at the 2nd company? Or a contact within your company that would remain confidential? Could you *make up* a reason to give him a call / email via work? Just throwing out ideas here!

Thanks for the responses to date. I wasn't expecting a new forum category, but I'm glad it worked out.

We aim to please! The forum is getting busier all the time so it's good to expand the categories out a little and get into specific subjects.

Scott

[KH_Global]

You can networking with people without disclosing any business secrets of company A. You need to first ensure what is the purpose of networking. Is it a new business or area. Are you planning to learn something in client B.

You need to maintain certain confidentiality in dealings too. If you look at most of the consulting companies, they are very good at networking and still maintain confidentiality of business too.

So, my advice is to do network with them as well as maintain confidentiality too.

Scott - is that right?

Robert