The book: Networking With a Purpose: The Informational Interview, Its Use, and Why it is a Valuable Tool discusses that the traditional purpose of this type of interview is to do relevant research by engaging those on the front lines of the targeted subject matter. This is a time to research, find the right contacts, and understand all that is unique to the subject, even the terminology that is common. In most cases, you’re not looking to get a yes to your idea or need; your looking to understand all that relates to your goal and even where and with what additional preparation you need to go to ask for a yes.
Finally, while considering networking strategies, heed Eleanor Roosevelt’s words “Never allow a person to tell you no who doesn’t have the power to say yes.”
I like this quote partly because it shows a meaningful way to think about networking and illustrates an important principle. If you’re asking people to hire you or help you in your job search or research and they’re not in a position to do so, you’ve probably done a poor networking job. Informational interviews and asking your connections the right questions will take you to the “right” person who can say yes!
