I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to have a network and keep in contact with the people in it, but many people don’t know how to do this well.  So, today’s video post is on networking.  Not how to meet and talk to people one-on-one, but how to have a pool of resources.  Here are 4 major points to keep in mind for building the kind of professional network that will serve you throughout your job search and your career.

1. You do have current contacts. Make sure you have current e-mail addresses.  These don’t have to be close relationships–acquaintances are fine.  It should be people who you have something in common with:  you used to work with them, your spouse works with them, you went to school with them, you were/are in some kind of a group with them, you get the idea.  Every 3-6 months, send an e-mail to those contacts. It should say something like,  “Hi, this is Peggy.  It’s been a long time since we’ve talked.  I’m still at ____________________, still doing _____________.  If you need anything, please give me a call.  Here are my phone numbers if you need to get in touch with me or give someone else my contact information if I can assist them.  If your personal e-mail has changed, please let me know.”  If you can (but you don’t have to), offer them something.  This will keep you in their minds so that when an opportunity DOES come up, they are likely to think of you.  You haven’t asked anything of them–you’ve just said “Hello.”
2. Get more contacts. You can do that by signing up for LinkedIn, FaceBook, or other social networks.  Join groups related to your field, where you can get posted on current blog postings, or join conference calls where you can give or get information.  You need to be on those so that you can be found by recruiters who might have the perfect job for you.  (Recruiters do search online for candidates.)  As you add contacts, add them to your e-mail routine.
3. Big Tip: When you leave a company, ask your boss if he will give you a positive reference.  If he will, get a personal e-mail address.  If he leaves the company, you won’t be able to get in touch with him when you need the reference.
4. Be honest with your network. Everyone has problems–we all know that, and many people have been negatively affected by the job market in the last couple of years.  I’m not saying we need to hear all the sordid details, but being honest about issues you have or situations you’re dealing with just might lead to an opportunity you wouldn’t otherwise have.  We don’t always think of someone who tells us “everything’s fine,” but we all like to help someone if we can.

I have a lot of opinions and ideas about networking…some are on the video, some not.  (Here’s some stuff I’ve posted before.)  Do you have any networking tips or tricks to share?

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