Networking Tips
Networking: Networking is talking to the people you know, talking to the people they know and talking to the people you should know. The main reason for Networking: to get known and trusted by someone who can help you access the information you need. Develop a contact list: Take the initiative to identify individuals you would like to meet and call them Keep your options open and enjoy meeting people from a wide variety of different backgrounds As you generate your networking contacts, listen as well as share Follow your leads and be flexible to what doors may open Do not focus exclusively on hiring authorities (those that have the power to hire), target all levels of a particular field.
Be prepared to market yourself: Identify the types of work or information you are looking for To establish a personal career profile, identify your career-related interests, skill and values Have a prepared, up-to-date resume
Decide how to organize and keep track of your network: Create contact records on companies and individuals Maintain and update your contact records. Include notes on past conversations, important points etc. (see example of Networking Log on next page) Keep an organized collection of business cards Attempt to contact your contacts regularly (set goals and be disciplined about achieving them)
Networking Log
Contact Name: Address: Connection to Source: Date Contacted Summary of Conversation: Title: Company: Phone: Fax: Email: Cell:
Appointment Date/Time:
Follow-up Dates/Information:
Additional Referrals Received:
Contact Name:
Title:
Company:
Address: Connection to Source: Date Contacted Summary of Conversation:
Phone: Fax: Email: Appointment Date/Time:
Cell:
Follow-up Dates/Information:
Additional Referrals Received: