Top Exec Blog (Web Log)

No doubt about it, if you're wired into networking, then you know the exponential power of making one contact into three into seven and so on. You also know that to weave your "net" you have to "work"! (Perhaps that's the genesis of what it takes to build and maintain a network).

What tools do you find the most effective? In recent weeks, this author has worked a number of possibilities to expand his list of active contacts around the world. Here's a brief set of examples:

1) Instant Messaging - some contacts just sit there and don't chat for some time, and then, voilá, by instituting a quick IM chat you find that another door opens to a possible career opportunity. Happened recently in south Florida and the chase is on....stay tuned. Naturally, this is an approach that relies on a previously-established "buddy" relationship or other IM connection, but each of these tools will harvest names from your email database, and allow you to make the self-introduction to get the relationship started, if you choose.

2) LinkedIn - this powerful tool (http://www.linkedin.com/in/danielcabrera ) is semi-addictive, once you get the hang of it. It allows you to post your full background (work, career, interests, etc.), and then invite contacts to join your network. Amazingly, folks from many years gone by, from all corners of the Earth respond, allowing the user to expand his/her network out via these contacts and the same, vice versa, is extended to the responding party. If not "Web 2.0", then it's very close. Yes, they have their interests, just as you do, in expanding the network (e.g. executive recruiters, staffing agencies, etc.), but it's a fair exchange, and you have the option of saying "no thanks". This writer thinks it's a great tool.

3) Email direct - you pull out the old database (ACT!, Outlook, etc.) and you start plugging away at those old contact names, phones and addresses, and soon you'll find a lot of folks are still alive, still in action, still ridin' the range. This often gets a response to your "howdy partner", and often as not, another place at the chuck wagon, where you can enjoy the vittles and expand your contact list.

4) Alumni Associations - how many of these can you get involved in? There are the employee-oriented ones, like the HP Alumni Association (http://www.hpalumni.org), exclusive to alums of HP or Agilent; there are the university-oriented associations, such as http://alumni.usc.edu/, plus any number of others that you can tap into. Work it with some diligence, hone your message accordingly, and before you know it your "studies" will pay off in more contacts opening more opportunities for you. Extra credit, anyone?

5) Volunteer opportunities - Have you ever heard this maxim? "You have to give to get?". Well that's how it works, in the real world. Join a local trade association, interest group, political action committee, civic organization or any number of charitable, nonprofit organizations, and you have an instant source of contacts and network expansion tools. You'll also gain the chance to contribute your talent, skills and work, so roll up your sleeves and check it out. Here's one this author is involved in currently that is taking shape in south Florida right now: Tech Show It combines the type of industries and topics that play to personal interests in technology, software and high-tech, while also allowing for personal involvement and contributions in-kind.

6) Ask and you shall receive - this is the person-to-person approach at church, the swim meet, or anywhere else you interact with folks you know (or don't know). Speak up. Tell them what you do for a living (or want to do), and ask them the same. Find out if there are similarities or differences and then ask for contacts, introductions, ideas, suggestions, etc., that can help you with your own career path expressions. It helps to have a 90-second "commercial" about yourself and your professional interests to guide these new contacts in expanding your network of contacts.

7) Websites, blogs, email campaigns - there are many other tools available to you in building your network, such as this blog or your own personal website, where you offer services, knowledge, information or other material that builds your reputation and establishes your credibility. One example of outbound communications (via email) that alerts people to your career interests and other information is shown in this document, Career Path Express, which has received favorable comments from many in recent weeks.

The bottom line is that networking takes effort and followup. However, if you put some time and effort into it, you're likely to find that whether you're employed or "in transition", you can still reach out and communicate with many current and future contacts via these suggested methods. By doing so, you will build a strong and vibrant network of colleagues, friends, acquaintances and others who are likely to be willing to respond to your expressed interests.

Care to share your experience with networking (good or bad)? Please do so. Thanks for reading, and good networking!

© Daniel A. Cabrera, "Career Path Express" ™ All rights reserved, 2007.