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Career Tip: Good networking is essential

Career Tip: Good networking is essential
L.J. Bothell, Graphic Designer and Freelance Writer

SEATTLE, WA -- Regardless of whether you are currently employed or actively seeking your next position, good networking is essential. Your networking savvy and list of contacts will determine whether or not you get leads for the opportunities you want. You need to be the first person your contacts think of when an opportunity presents itself. View your networking strategy two ways:

Soft networking.
This is a subtle, indirect form of getting yourself into circulation. Do this by raising your profile, marketing successes you've already achieved and developing a network of friendly acquaintances who are always on the lookout for you. For instance, join an organization or two so you can swap tips, meet new contacts and get access to hot resources. Meet new contacts while you volunteer or use your talents to help others.

Direct networking.
This is your targeted connection with a specific contact so you can learn about and explore leads. Make sure you have business cards ready and offer a self-promotional piece or a free-resource/tip early in your conversation. Have a short identity statement ready which highlights your primary skills/problem-solving capabilities. Be able to work recent achievements into your conversation so you can encourage your new contact to remember you.

posted by Victor Lloyd Smith @ 10:01 PM