Six Essentials for Networking

Posted on Oct 10th 2009, 07:42 am, under Career Advice

We've stressed the importance of having a good business network several times before. If you have a wide array of professional contacts, you greatly improve your chances of landing the job you want. 

Even after you find employment, you shouldn't neglect your network. Keep it healthy and viable. It's always a good idea to take care of your professional relationships -- you never know when they'll come in handy. With that said, here's a checklist for maintaining a business network:

1. Make sure you have people who are willing to recommend you. Having good references is a must for any job seeker. You need people who can vouch for your achievements and character. If you can't think of at least three people who can do so, then you might be in trouble.

2. Keep the contact information of former co-workers. If you're still in touch with them through social media sites like Facebook, that's even better. Keep your relationships alive; focus especially on people who were at your rank and higher at your old job.

3. Stay in touch. Send your contacts a short email saying hi every few months. Catch up with a former colleague over lunch. Always remember to greet your old boss on his birthday. These are polite, non-invasive ways of checking in with your important business contacts. This way, if you ever need to ask them for help with your job search, connecting with them will come easily and naturally.

4. Enlarge your network -- it's the best way to keep it healthy. Renew your contact with former colleagues and acquaintances or go out to meet new people. Make the effort to step outside your comfort zone when making connections. Don't limit yourself to your peers; try to make friends with people outside your industry and age group. You'll open up new opportunities for yourself. 

5. Be active in your industry. Join a professional association and participate in its events. Besides being a great venue for meeting new people, these events also make good additions to your resume.

6. When your friends call, answer. If your contacts ask for assistance, take the time to help them out. If you can't, then at the very least try to point them in the right direction. By keeping your business relationships strong, you'll be helping yourself as well, since your contacts will be more inclined to help you in the future.