Networking is a Two-Way Street

Experts say that 85 percent of all jobs are not advertised; that means in order for you to find a job, you have to know how to network effectively.  

I'm often amazed that there is never a class in school on networking. It's is one of the most important skills a job seeker should learn. Most students graduate from high school, or college not knowing how to effectively network.

Networking is an ongoing process and in order to be effective, you've got to have an idea of what you want to get from it but more importantly you need to know what you can offer the person you are networking with. The more valuable you are to a potential contact the more they will remember you.   

Also, it's helpful to have a way to organize the contacts you've made and not just stick business cards in a drawer and forget them.  I meet lots of people in different settings and I always use these three tips. 

First, the most skilled networkers know that it's not about them, but about the person you are networking with. Get to know them, what they are interested in and how you two can help each other. Because networking is a two way street; if you meet someone who you think might be able to help you get to know them and find out how you can be of assistance to them. That way, they will remember you if something should come up (i.e. a job or internship) that they think you'd be interested in. 

Second, get some plain business cards printed up with your name, telephone number and email address so people know how to get in touch with you. But better yet, get their card so you can follow-up with them. Once you get someone's card, turn it over and write on the back the date and where you met them. As you start to meet people, it will be come difficult to keep everyone straight and you want to be able to reference where you met.

Lastly, make sure to send a quick e-mail after meeting someone to thank them for taking the time to speak with you. This little courtesy will set you apart from networkers who just collect cards and don't reach out until they want something. Remember, it's never to early to start developing contacts and getting comfortable speaking with people you hardly know. It will take the anxiety out of doing it when you graduate.

Enjoy the journey!