How to Get Started Networking
by Vicki Gerson

Whether you own a retail or wholesale business and have been in business for years, or you are opening your new business you need to know how to network. If you are a sales person for a product or service, sell real estate, or are self employed, you also need to know how to network.

In fact, it pays to develop a networking plan to increase your contacts and your business.

Networking is making connections. This involves talking to family members; friends; friends of friends; colleagues; the pet groomer; and even your doctor, accountant or lawyer to help you generate career options. These people can help you problem solve, provide suggestions for decisions, assess transferable skills, track down job leads, sharpen your resume, and even “play act” interviews. In addition, many of them can provide the emotional support you need at this time in your life.

As soon as you know you want or need a new job tell as many people as you can. Studies have shown that the majority of job seekers find jobs through networking. Your network should increase as you continue to search. Attend job fairs, placement offices, and Chamber of Commerce meetings. Look at ads in newspapers, industry publications and newsletters. Be sure to look on the Internet for any job postings.

Here are some of the basic steps to consider in your networking plan.

Make a list

Sit down at your computer or just sit at your desk with pencil and paper to create a networking list of at least 50 people you believe are important for networking purposes. Here are some of the people that should be on this list: past employers or managers, co-workers former and current, former college and high school teachers (depending upon your age), people at your church or temple including the clergy, past and current neighbors, friends and relatives. In addition, don’t forget to consider your career college center, former classmates from high school and college, trade unions if applicable, professional organizations, and current business networking group members.

Prioritize this list

Now that you have the names of 50 people or more prioritize them after you establish your criteria. This criteria could include: seems to know everyone, aware of the current job market, likes helping people, has been my mentor for years, knows my skills and strengths extremely well, and will be proactive for me.

The plan

It is important to establish a plan with a time table. Know what you plan to do and what week you plan to do it. For example, you need to research your career field. This means you will go on the Internet, browse in bookstores to see the newest books, and visit libraries in your area. After your research has been completed, just as you would if you were seeking a job internship, ask your contact list who do they know who has a job in this career field. It is also important to have a list of companies where you would like to work. Find out if anyone has connections at the company and can get you an interview there or has the name and title of the person you can contact.

Be sure to prepare the 15 second, 30 second and 60 second elevator responds or personal pitch. Most people will ask: “What kind of job are you seeking?” or “What do you do exactly?”

If you don’t have a resume create one. Then ask people you trust to look it over and see what they think. Also prepare a thank you letter for anyone who helps you get an interview. And be sure to prepare a letter for after the interview thanking the person who interviewed you.