Networking is building alliances or relationships. Skilled networking develops good information not a lot of information. Quality vs. Quantity. Many people believe networking is a short term project…getting your name in front of people and collecting business cards. Good networking is a long term, life long tool that not only helps you to get a job, but can help you climb the corporate ladder and continually take your career to the next level. Talking to people because they might know something, doesn’t work. Ask for a contact to get more information on the industry. There are four types of help your networking contacts can give you: Information, contacts, connections and referrals.
Where can I network?
Any places there are people and time!
Here are some suggestions…
- Restaurants
- Stores
- Banks
- Community Sporting Events
- Church
- Chamber Networking
- Health Clubs
- Car Wash
- Home Owner's Association
- PTA
- Non Profit Organization
- Little League
- CPA’s, Attorney’s, Realtors' Conventions and Trade Shows