You're now ready to begin networking with people who can help you reach the hiring managers inside your target companies. Networking can be done over the phone, in person, via e-mail, or even over a cup of coffee or lunch. The main thing to remember is that, in general, people want to help others.
Networking makes most people feel good about themselves. It boosts their self-esteem to connect people with opportunities—especially when those opportunities are hard to come by—and it makes them feel important. The bottom line is that these people really are quite important to your career success. (Just as you may have been very important to the career success of others in the past—and certainly will be again in the future.)
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The main thing to remember is that, in general, people want to help others.
No matter what the unemployment headlines say, don't ever let up on your networking efforts. More than 80 percent of my clients land great jobs through their networks. So, it's not worth risking those odds to not be continually networking during good economic times and bad, whether you love your job or you're out of work. Networking should be the primary focus of everything you do. The quantity and quality of your networking time is directly related to the personal, professional, and financial satisfaction you'll have in your current job or your next job, and for the rest of your professional life.
Just in case you're a little intimidated about the notion of networking (and again, you shouldn't be), let's review for a moment some of the reasons why someone would actually want to have a networking conversation with you:
They might (secretly) be looking for a job soon themselves, and they can learn from your approach.
They might gain new information about their industry or their competition—plus other knowledge or perspective that you bring.
They like to feel important, have their ego stroked, and feel that their advice is valued and respected.
Many people genuinely want to help, and they find it gratifying to be of service.
They might be bored, and you can provide welcome relief from their normal routine.
They're happy to do a favor for the person who referred you, by agreeing to network with you.
They've been through a job search or career transition themselves, so they empathize with you.
When it's done properly, networking is not about taking, but rather about giving. You must always come from an attitude of generosity during the networking process. After every networking conversation, the other person should feel genuinely glad that you contacted them and feel enriched by the experience. Now that you're convinced that networking is truly a win-win proposition (and it is!), here are some tools and strategies to get you going.