Social Networking Tips

Networking: Networking is talking to the people you know, talking to the people they know and talking to the people you should know.

The main reason for Networking: to get known and trusted by someone who can help you access the information you need.

Develop a contact list:

• Take the initiative to identify individuals you would like to meet and call them
• Keep your options open and enjoy meeting people from a wide variety of different backgrounds
• As you generate your networking contacts, listen as well as share
• Follow your leads and be flexible to what doors may open
• Do not focus exclusively on hiring authorities (those that have the power to hire), target all levels of a particular field.

Be prepared to market yourself:

• Identify the types of work or information you are looking for
• To establish a personal career profile, identify your career-related interests, skill and values
• Have a prepared, up-to-date resume

Decide how to organize and keep track of your network:

• Create contact records on companies and individuals
• Maintain and update your contact records. Include notes on past conversations, important points etc. (see example of Networking Log on next page)
• Keep an organized collection of business cards
• Attempt to contact your contacts regularly (set goals and be disciplined about achieving them)

Reference: cariboo.bc.ca