In today’s professional environment you can’t avoid reading, hearing, or discussing the pros and cons of networking. It’s everywhere these days and it confirms the old saying that “it’s not what you know – but who you know”. The networking of today can be a powerful and effective tool for managing and improving your career. With an incredible 70% of jobs being found through word of mouth or networking it should be a vital part of your job search strategies. It takes time to develop a fruitful network but the results are astounding in terms of finding jobs. There are many forms of networking from informal to strategically developed networks for optimal outcomes. Described below are three main strategies to launch your networking plan.

DEVELOP A COMPREHENSIVE CONTACT LIST – This is the most obvious form of networking and involves you creating a list of potential contacts. Begin with your address books both personal and professional and your business card collection. Include on your list friends, family, coworkers, colleagues, acquaintances, along with association members, church friends, children’s friends’ parents, coaches and teachers, and people associated with any volunteer work you perform. Even your doctor, dentist and repair services representatives should be included on your list. Watch for opportune times to talk with others about your job search and make them aware of what type of job you are looking for. 

As you begin going through your list which could easily include several hundred names, be honest with your contacts, especially with those you don’t usually socialize with. Let them know what that you are interested in talking with them about your current job search. You can email them, invite them for lunch or coffee, or just ask for some time on the phone. This is when an Online Resume comes in handy. You can give them your card with your resume website address on it so they can easily pass along the site to other interested parties to immediately see your qualifications and have your contact information waiting.            

ENCOURAGE REFERRALS – Referrals are my favorite form of networking. It lets me know someone liked my work enough to tell others about me and positively pass on my name to others. This makes my job with the potential client much easier because they already have a good impression of me before we ever meet. While looking for a job, a referral can be the best and fastest way to obtain an interview appointment.  

Talk with your contacts about referring you to others that might be able to help you. Keep in touch with your contacts so they stay aware of your progress and as a way to keep you in their thoughts. This can be done with a blanket email or newsletter to all your contacts or more personal with a phone call or hand written note. 

NETWORKING ONLINE – The wide-spreading use of online networks is the newest form of networking. It utilizes websites such as www.LinkedIn.com, www.Ryze.com, and www.Xing.com that are specifically designed to promote networking. They can be very helpful ways to stay in touch with others and finding professionals you are interested in working with or for. Smaller networks that focus on industry niches include www.nursegroups.com or www.teachersnetwork.org can be effective as well. Sites like www.LinkedIn.com and www.Craigslist.com even allow resumes to be downloaded for member view. More social networking sites are gaining professional use such as www.MySpace.com and www.ClassMates.com. These sites are all free, easy to use and worth your time to cut and paste your resume or parts of it for viewers to see. 

Remember that networking is an ongoing process and one that should be worked on daily. You will need to build a rapport with the contacts you are asking for help from and make sure you reciprocate assistance when you can. Keep records or some type of spreadsheet to monitor contact visits, effectives and responsiveness, and any notes or tips gained from these contacts. Navigating through these networking tips will definitely expedite your job search.