Tip No. 178
Q. I am not sure what it means to network. Where do I go to do it?
A. The average person knows approximately 200 people-friends, neighbors and family members. Networking means more than calling all of your friends and neighbors and waiting for them to call back with job opportunities. It is getting assistance from those you know to make contact with those you don’t know to find out about potential job opportunities. Several tips for successful networking: • Every person you speak with is valuable to you or knows someone who could be. Join a professional organization, or start a new hobby; you will meet all sorts of new people with whom you can network. There are few people in this world that can’t teach us something new. • Persistence will get you past the slow days-it may take several times before you make a connection with a contact. • Find something to like about every person you meet. • Look for opportunities to be of service to people you meet. Share your knowledge and your help, as you hope others will do. • Pushiness and aggressive behavior tend to repel people. Try not to come on too strong. • At the end of any networking call make sure that person knows how to get in touch with you. • Let the contact know that you appreciate their help, and that perhaps one day in the future you will be in the position to return the favor.
CMI Career Management International
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