What is networking?

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March 28, 2006

Anonymous The Enid News and Eagle Tue Mar 28, 2006, 04:19 PM CST

Networking is cultivating relationships and investing regular time and effort, establishing and maintaining career-related contacts.

Can you be more specific...what does networking look like?

It's talking with people to gather information, seek advice, expand awareness, and generate referrals.

Networking can be done face-to-face, by phone, by letter, and via email and electronic bulletin boards, but personal meetings are most effective.

Networking can be as simple as slowing down a bit during the day to pop your head in a colleague's office to inquire how they are doing and/or to ask what's happening.

Networking is a two-way street. It is serving as a resource for others, as well as asking others to serve as a resource for you.

To be effective at networking, you need to know when to ask others for help and be comfortable doing so.

Why is networking important?

Networking can establish contact with people who might ultimately lead you to a job opportunity. Experts report that only 20% of all jobs are advertised in the classifieds. Networking can lead to the other 80%! But networking goes beyond actual job leads.

Through networking you can learn the jargon of a particular occupational field. It can be invaluable to know the "words."

You can identify role models or mentors to guide your professional development.

Gain feedback on your qualifications and resume.

Learn about unfamiliar geographic region or city.

Obtain support and encouragement from others who share your interests.

Who Should be in My Network?

The list can be almost endless depending upon you and your situations. Some groups to consider are:

Current and former co-workers;

Classmates and alumnus of schools/universities you attended;

Members of social/religious/recreational groups to which you belong;

Family, friends, and neighbors;

Start an Electronic Network or Online Networking, after all, the Internet is the biggest network in the world;

Network with those you meet at job fairs;

How do you network?

Know what you need and clearly state it.

Seek advice, information or feedback rather than answers, solutions or jobs.

Ask only for what a person can comfortable give you.

Avoid asking for information you can obtain through personal research.

Expect to give as much as you get.

What's the Etiquette of Networking?

Meet at the convenience of your contact.

Be clear about your objectives.

Write a follow-up thank you note.

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