Effective Networking Techniques Part 2

Step Three:

Compile a list of contacts. Jot down the names of everyone you know. For the moment, suspend judgment on whether you believe those individuals can be of any help. That comes later on in the process. For now, take the time to write down the names of your family, acquaintances, friends, business associates, colleagues, and anyone else you know. Continue jotting names until your list reaches 50 to 100. If you are having great difficulty composing the list, it may be because you are not suspending judgment and dismissing individuals due to your own misconceptions. In order for this exercise to be effective, write down the names of everyone you know without prejudice.

Step Four:

Once you have composed your list, categorize each contact into one of the following three categories: (1) those in a position to hire you directly; (2) those who don’t have the ability to hire you but can introduce you to professionals who can help advance your job search; and (3) those who will be able to act as your sounding boardsomeone who has a shoulder you can lean on when the job search is getting frustrating and you need someone who will be able to motivate you to continue full speed ahead.

Step Five:

Call those on your list. Don’t email them as your first point of contact. Emails are easy for others to ignore and delete. Take the initiative and do things the old-fashioned waypick up the phone, have a one-to-one conversation, and deliver your pitch.

In conclusion

Networking is still the number one method of gaining a job. Most positions aren’t advertised in classifieds or the Internet. For this reason, you want to focus most of your energy on cultivating a strong network base.