Networking is More Than Looking for a Job

Most people who don’t spend much networking think that it is mostly a job hunting activity. During bad job markets, you see a lot more people networking, many for the first time. LinkedIn has skyrocketed in users over the last couple of years.

Networking is really something that you should be doing continually whether you have a job or not. Building relationships is a key component to business and personal success.  Naturally you are doing this every day with people you meet either at work or elsewhere. Take the time to nurture these relationships so when you do have needs such as a new job, you will be able to go to some of your network for help.

Finding a job takes time and will not happen overnight. People tend to help others that they know well first. So, make sure that you spend the time getting to know people before you ask for help.

It takes time to build quality relationships so don’t wait until you need a job to start networking. Building relationships should become ingrained into your daily routine. If you do it effectively and consistently, then you won’t even realize that you are doing it because it will be very natural.

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Comments

[Jordi Robert-Ribes]

Excellent post!
Totally agree about the need to NURTURE the relationships. Networking takes time.

When networking it is most important to think about how you can help your contacts instead of just focusing on what information they can provide you with.

Jordi (from Networking & Business)

[Jason Jacobsohn]

Well said Jordi. Thanks for sharing your additional insight.