| Everybody got lots of friends and even more friends friends. But that is not enough. You will need to organize your network and keep it updated until that day when you want a new job. First of all, list all your personal friends and business associates, reestablish old friendships and ask about your friend's work and family. It's actually that easy. The harder part begins when you want to use network. If you find networking hard because you don't want to use your friends, or because you dislike asking for help, overcome this by genuinely caring about those you call. Your interest will delight them, and they'll gladly share information. Remember, you'd willingly help them if they came to you needing similar support.
Force yourself to use the telephone, it gets easier as you call. Look for information about industry trends or trends in your functional area or specialty. Watch for plans for new products or services. Seek out emerging markets, hidden jobs, and companies that are hiring. Listen for upcoming retirements and insider tips about corporate culture or political infighting. Pay attention to news of reorganizations, expansions, mergers or acquisitions. Ask about business associations, publications or resources. Focus on anything change-related, because change means opportunity.
Your telephone calls will soon produce face-to-face meetings. In the beginning, be friendly and establish reports. Set the stage by asking how much time you'll have. State your purpose clearly and directly. Share your excitement and enthusiasm, and ask for advice and ideas. In general, listen more than you talk. Watch for opportunities, and take brief notes. Ask for referrals to other experts. Before you leave, ask for a business card, discuss a next step and offer heartfelt thanks.
Don't look only for specific openings where someone else held the job before. Watch closely for problems you would enjoy solving, weaknesses in a company where you could help or companies where people are complaining, troubled, or under pressure since this often indicates too few people do the work. Anywhere you see something missing that you could add, a logical extension or improvement.
Your contact network should always be growing, not shrinking. The best way to expand it is to seek out new people and build new relationships. Each person you meet will know ten other people who knows hundred persons and so on. It doesn't really matter who you choose, so long as you like them, they like you, and you can help each other.  |
