Your Contact List is a comprehensive list of people who meet one and only one criteria: if they were asked the question, "Do you know who (your name) is?" they would answer "Yes." The only reason anyone should not be on your Contact List is if you know for a fact that they do not like you.

Compile a list of all (yes, all) of the people you know personally and professionally. Most clients create a database file of these people in a popular software program such as Microsoft Outlook or Excel. Is this going to be a large list? You bet it is. Probably more than 200 people strong. Some of my clients come in with lists as large as 400 or 500 names! Should you really have all of these names on your list? Yes, you should, especially if you're serious about landing the best possible job in the worst possible job market.

Create three columns on your document, for your contacts' names, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses. Don't edit the list or make any assumptions about who can or can't help you. You might be surprised! List everyone—including your tailor, your mail carrier, your dentist, your neighbors—as well as everyone with whom you have worked (colleagues, customers, vendors, suppliers, and industry contacts). These people can and should be from every level—secretaries, cafeteria workers, presidents, CEOs, salespeople, middle managers, janitors, and finance specialists. Remember that approximately 80 percent of new opportunities are secured through networking, and a very high percentage of those positions are discovered through people who were least expected to be of help.