I bet you know that know networking is one of the most important things you can do in your career search. Did you also know that it is one of the things that people fear most? It's true, but it doesn't need to be that way.

You see, a network is simply "an extended group of people with similar interests or concerns who interact and remain in informal contact for mutual assistance or support." We're all networking all the time, even if we don't realize it, asking for referrals to a good restaurant, a hairdresser, or a school for our kids. Of course, networking has great implications for your career, whether you're looking for a job or not.

Here are my 5 top tips for being a GREAT networker:

  1. Develop your list of contacts. Think of everyone you know - professionally and personally. Family, friends, neighbors. People you know from the gym, from your community activities, your hairdresser, dentist, and mechanic.  They all have networks, too, that become your extended ones.
  2. Share your brand. What do you want people to know about you? What skills do you have? What are your interests and values? What can you offer a potential employer?
  3. Practice, practice, practice.  Create a great self-introduction (elevator pitch) and use it anywhere you can.
  4. Nurture your relationships. Today. Pick up the phone or send an email to someone you haven't talked to in a while. Just let them know you've been thinking of them or send birthday wishes.  Let them know what's new with you.
  5. Create a solid LinkedIn profile to reach out to  professional contacts and allow them to connect with you, too.


Finally, it's important to have fun when networking! Connecting with others feels good, so effective networking shouldn't seem like a
chore. What do you think? Are there any other networking strategies you've found helpful? Leave me a quick note on my blog.

Want to learn more about how to be a great networker? Join me this month's FREE webinar: How To Be A Great Networker When: Tuesday, February 21 from 8-9pm EST. Register today at www.kbcareercoach.com.

Hope all's well in your world. Here's to your career success!