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Networking is generally regarded as the most effective way to learn about and secure a new position.
Yet it remains one of the most difficult things for any of us to do—even MBAs! So, given its
importance, let‟s walk through the basics.
Networking is the process whereby you increase your knowledge of industries, companies, and
professions, and others get to know more about you! If others know more about you, it will be easier
for them to remember you, recommend you, and seek you out if or when opportunities arise. As with
every strategy, it requires diligence and perseverance. Instead of waiting for opportunities passively,
you must actively seek out opportunities. Also note that networking is a two-player game. To be
successful, both parties need to benefit. It is important to identify how the other party benefits from
helping you.
With Whom Should I Network? Everyone and Anyone!
A typical mistake occurs when people exclude potential conversations because the individual is not in
the target industry or profession. Sometimes they avoid connecting with someone because they doubt
the individual has the influence to help them. Wrong! Wrong! Wrong! Recall the concept of Six
Degrees of Separation, which suggests that everyone on earth is separated by only six individuals. If
that is true for everyone on the planet, just think of the odds when focusing on a specific industry or
company within a limited geographic area.
While your ultimate goal is to connect with the right decision maker, it may take several steps to get
there. For this reason, you need to recognize that each contact has the potential to help you move
forward in your journey. Do not arbitrarily exclude people from your networking just because the
connection is not immediately clear.
To start the process, prepare a list of at least 25 initial names to contact, categorized as follows.
Friends and Family
These are people you can contact at almost any time and say just about anything. They are incredibly
important to you because you can be yourself and they will give you honest feedback.
Associations
These are people with whom you have some loose and/or undefined relationship, such as alumni,
fellow pool club members, or neighbors. Associations can also include shared interest groups such as
running clubs, book clubs, and fellow service club members. The specific association becomes less
important as you begin to connect with that person on a different level. Any association provides the
natural opportunity to connect with someone who may be able to help in your career search process.