How can I network better?
 

Hey all.

I'm starting to search for a job and am dying to work corporate again. I don't think my networking is very effective but I can't say I don't try. What I used to do was stick around the FBO lobbies and introduce myself to flight crews, make talk and ask if I could keep them updated via email and add them to my network. I met a lot of really nice Captains who were kind and allowed me or would tell me to call "so and so"; and thus my network grew. Also I'd knock on doors at my two local airports.

I also keep my friends who work at FBO's and some Captains I know updated. Not much came of it before, other than more contacts and one possible job. That was enough to make me feel rewarded for my efforts.

Anyways, I'm tired of the orange website and have little faith in job websites altogether, especially since I really want to live and fly in the Northeast and other places I don't live in.

Could people please lend me their advice or ideas on how to be much better at this and also how NOT to annoy people? I get the feeling some Capt's and probably just being nice and entertaining me. I can honestly say only about 3 have been true d!cks. but i dont blame them. It's nerve-wracking for me to approach strangers. It's not difficult to get a crappy job but when trying to convince a department or 135 company to give me a chance without their type and time I already know it's going to make me feel like crap.

I'm even considering shelling out the money and paying a staffing company that gets results...bad idea?

My experience to date is:
3500tt 1000pic turbine 135, 3400 pic, 2000 multi, 1 1/2 year of 135 exp. and 3 years 91 experience doing all kind of duties to earn my honest pay and I loved it. Flown a bit of Pilatus, mostly the Metro and a mix of piston twins of which most was in the chieftain and Aerostar.


Thanks in advance!

Excuse any misspellings, I'm on my phone.

It sounds like you're doing the right thing. Just remember, the need for pilots is shrinking. That may be the only reason why having a large network of friends hasn't gotten you your dream job.

I've always been praised for my ability to network in this industry, and I've created several jobs for myself because of it. Those are the only things I've got going, and they aren't that fancy. I can't get a part 121 or 135 job, even with an ATP. That's just how it is. I have great friends in great places in this industry that pull for me, but if I wasn't passionate about aviation, college and flight training would've been a complete waste of time and money.

Like you, whenever I'm at an FBO waiting, I try to strike up friendly conversation with anyone when the situation is appropriate. You never know who you'll meet.

Sometimes the area has a great effect, too. Ventura County has more Gulfstream aircraft based there than there are from San Fran all the way to Alaska. I don't know where you live, but if you want to really jumpstart corporate, hanging out at Teterboro or Van Nuys can't hurt. You can network all you want in Nebraska but you're less likely to land a job flying a Citation there, perhaps.

I wish you the best of luck. You sound pretty well set up already. be thankful you have the experience you do!

I personally find networking for networking's sake to be hollow and extremely transparent.

I have found an exchange of information, common background, or common interests seem to provide stronger friendships and professional contacts and doesn't give both parties the feeling like the professional relationship exists solely in a transactional way to further the job prospects of one or both parties.

Thanks Johnny. I'd move to California right away if I could; i remember kvny was nice and I see a lot of job ads there. South Florida seems packed with corporate jets, thank God.

You're right Boiler. And lately I've been keeping it within my little group of friends and pilots that I've had for years. I don't expect anyone who doesn't know me or have flown with me to do much, I'm sure they've got their friends too they'll help first. Luckily there's enough to go around!

Thanks guys

What he said. I'd think airport advisory boards, recurrents at lunch, medical/cpr training when the local operators are hosting a training day, the nbaa convention (some of the parties are pretty good), nbaa regional forums, etc are better than sitting around fbo crew rooms. Most of the local operators don't spend a lot of time at the local fbo....when they're flying they are at a far away fbo and when they're off----well, they're probably not hanging around the local fbo.

QUOTE=BoilerUP;1487181]I personally find networking for networking's sake to be hollow and extremely transparent.

I have found an exchange of information, common background, or common interests seem to provide stronger friendships and professional contacts and doesn't give both parties the feeling like the professional relationship exists solely in a transactional way to further the job prospects of one or both parties.[/QUOTE]

Thanks billy. You're probably right about where they are when they're flying...I usually run into out-of-towners and that hasn't gotten me far.

So you're saying join the nbaa? I have heard ofthem but am clueless; I'll check out their site. Do they have job fairs like airlines do?

Great ideas, thank you!

Just joining the NBAA won't lead far. You have to develop real, professional relationships that are based on shared experiences, back-and-forth "favors", a reputation that means a resume isn't necessary.

I got my current job by connections in the Reserves; a phone call and visit pretty much secured the deal. You need to develop a reputation. I connected with my first White Plains job by just being friendly with the Pan Am ramp manager (yes, that PAA ran HPN then). We'd chat, I help him by parking right where he wanted when it was busy, didnt beotch when he couldn't get me a close-in spot. One day, he handed me a note with, "call the Chief Pilot, they're looking and you'd fit in". That was it.

GF

Yes, what I meant was if with the nbaa there are local events and larger ones where I could meet other pilots and get the ball rolling? I joined another pilot association to volunteer my CFI certificate and was able to meet quite a few guys who were pretty friendly and we always look out for each other. It was also a good way to find out how many of us know the same people.

I totally agree with what you're advising. Thanks for the replies!

Eman,

NBAA Regional Forums are very simple and friendly forums to meet local chief pilots and others. The website has details; about four or five a year. There are also small local NBAA-lite organizations--Pacific Northwest BAA is very active, for example. The Westchester Airport Maintenance Assoc is another at HPN. Not just for maintainers, either.

The NBAA Annual is more a trade show where it's hard to actually meet and greet. Lots of chief pilots, but usually with their boss and being "rushed" by salesmen.

Get to know local operators AND their businesses. Sometimes it is possible to get an "in" thru friends that work there. Networking doesn't have to be pilots.

GF

Thanks, I'm checking it out.