80% of jobs are gotten through Networking…What are you waiting for?

I hear the groaning and see the eye rolls. Networking seems to be every job seeker’s least favorite aspect of job searching. Substituting the word “networking” for “relationship building” can make this more palatable and in truth, that’s what networking is all about. I once spoke to a recent college grad about networking who said, “I did that already” which made me smile. Networking is not a “one-off” event. It is a forever endeavor.

We need to retrain ourselves from thinking of networking as transactional. It is about generosity. What can YOU offer to anyone in your network? Many of us feel that we are “takers” in a networking relationship. How can you be the “giver”? Here are some suggestions:

·      Send along relevant, interesting articles or other content to those in your network. Someone you networked with is a Boston Red Sox fan? Send along a recent article you read about the team.

·      Gained a new skill? Let folks in your network know how this new skill you acquired can help them and their business.

·      Be a connector and make introductions. Meet someone who you think could be helpful to someone else in your network? Introduce them!

So how else can you add value to your network? Would love to hear your thoughts, comments or ideas!