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Networking for Success: Who Will Connect You to Your Next Job? by Emily Breckenridge

According to New York career-management firm, BH Careers International, 80% of all available jobs aren't posted in the classifieds or on job boards. Additionally, 60% of people surveyed by BH stated they got their last job by networking. Though networking can be awkward and uncomfortable, the fact is, it is the best way to find a job. Here are a few tips to help you develop, and successfully execute a networking strategy.

1) Prepare an elevator pitch. Data shows that when you initially meet someone, their first impression of you is formed within the first two minutes they spend with you. After that first impression is formed, it is extremely difficult for it to be changed. A 30-second elevator pitch should be a part of each professional's job search arsenal, including yours, for this very reason. An elevator pitch is a swift speech that you've memorized in case you ever meet someone who you need to make a good, professional impression on. It is also a great starting point for beginning a conversation with employers at job fairs, or as a way of summarizing yourself at the beginning of an interview. Make it upbeat, and to the point, stating who you're, what you do and what you're looking for. For additional information on elevator pitches, check out First Impressions: How to Deliver a Professional 30-second Elevator Pitch from the September 18, 2007 issue of TechNews.

2) Keep your marketing tools up-to-date. Keep your resume, and any social or professional network profiles up-to-date. You should provide a resume to all of your networking contacts as an initial point of reference, and send them a new one each time you add something new to it (i.e. a new degree or a new job). If you've a MySpace or other social networking site profile, make sure that it is appropriate, and that nothing on it would prevent a job offer if a potential employer saw it.

3) Tap into your existing network.� It's a small world, and you never know who your parents' friends or your friends' friends might know. Spread the word that you're looking for a job to family, friends and ex-colleagues, and ask if they might be able to offer any advice. Then have that network connect you to a broader one, by asking, “Do you know anyone else who might be helpful for me to meet?”

4) Become involved in an industry-specific association. Professional organizations and associations are one of the best ways to expand your network. Student membership fees are usually affordable, and the benefits of membership definitely outweigh the cost. Professional associations are an simple way to connect with others in your field, and these connections often result in job referrals. Many associations also post job ads on their websites, sometimes limiting access to members. Many HR representatives report that they like to advertise, sometimes exclusively, on these sites, because good candidates are usually members of professional organizations. Additionally, many HR representatives report that they use association conferences and/or trade shows to seek potential hires, because attendance and participation show that a person is committed to staying on the cutting edge of the field. To increase your visibility to HR at those events, don't just attend association events or trade shows – instead, participate! Volunteer to help organize a meeting or a part of the event, offer your expertise by presenting on a topic, or simply just ask educated questions.

5) Take it slow. If you've met someone for the first time whom you think would be a great person to have in your professional network, don't rush it. Build your relationship with your new contact before asking for help. Stacey L. Bradford of the Wall Street Journal suggests that you “Consider dropping a personal note to any new contact you meet at an industry event. Then follow-up, perhaps with a helpful article or introduction to someone you know.”

6) Networking is a two-way street. Show your concern and interest for your networking contacts, and make sure that you're a benefit to all of them by referring them to positions for which you think they're qualified, and by putting them in touch with people whom you think might help them, etc. Ask them questions about themselves and their business experience. The more you help them, the more they’ll be inclined to help you.

7) Don't ask for a job! Instead, ask for advice. When you ask someone about their experience in a field, or for their advice on job searches, they're typically more generous with their time. If you're qualified for a job that they might have open, they'll ask you to apply.

8 ) Mind your manners. Always follow up a conversation or meeting with your networking contacts with a thank you note or email. Also, keep the contact updated on your job search by mentioning any interviews you've had recently or any offers you've received.

9) Respect your contact's time. Your contacts have their own responsibilities. Make sure that you respect their time by always being flexible, and by not continually asking for favors. Additionally, make sure that you don't call too often. If you're not sure what's too much, just ask them.

10) Be in it for the long-run. Your relationships with your networking contacts should not end when you begin a job. These should be relationships that you maintain long-term. Plan on staying in touch by arranging a monthly touch base with a few contacts where you call them or send them an email to update them on your career, and to find out if there's anything new going on in their lives. Fostering a long-term relationship can lead to further opportunity years from now.

LinkedIn offers the following 10 tips for improving your on the web profile:

1. Don't just cut and paste your resume. LinkedIn hooks you into a network, not just a human resources department. You wouldn't hand out your resume before introducing yourself, so don't do it here. Instead, describe your experience and abilities as you would to someone you just met. And write for the screen, in short blocks of copy with visual or textual signposts.
2. Borrow from the best marketers. Light up your profile with your voice. Use specific adjectives, colorful verbs, active construction (”managed project team,” not “responsible for project team management”). Act naturally: don't write in the third person unless that formality suits your brand. Picture yourself at a conference or client meeting. How do you introduce yourself? That's your authentic voice, so use it.
3. Write a personal tagline. That line of text under your name? It's the first thing people see in your profile. It follows your name in search hit lists. It's your brand. (Note: your e- mail address is not a brand!) Your company's brand might be so strong that it and your title are sufficient. Or you might need to distill your professional personality into a more eye- catching phrase.
4. Put your elevator pitch to work. Go back to your conference introduction. That 30-second description, the essence of who you're and what you do, is a personal elevator pitch. Use it in the Summary section to engage readers. You've got 5-10 seconds to capture their attention. The more meaningful your summary is, the more time you'll get from readers.
5. Point out your skills. Think of the Specialties field as your personal search engine optimizer, a way to refine the ways people find and remember you. This searchable section is where that list of industry buzzwords from your resume belongs. Also: particular capabilities and interests, the personal values you bring to your professional performance, even a note of humor or passion.
6. Explain your experience. Help the reader grasp the key points: briefly state what the company does and what you did or do for them. Picture yourself at that conference, again. After you've introduced yourself, how do you describe what you do, what your company does? Use those clear, succinct phrases here — and break them into visually digestible chunks.
7. Distinguish yourself from the crowd. Use the Additional Information section to round out your profile with a few key interests. Add websites that showcase your abilities or passions. Then edit the default “My Website” label to encourage click-throughs (you get Google page rankings for those, raising your visibility). Maybe you belong to a trade association or an interest group; help other members find you by naming those groups. If you're an award winner, recognized by peers, customers, or employers, add prestige without bragging by listing them here.
8. Ask and answer questions. Thoughtful questions and useful answers build your credibility. The best ones give people a reason to look at your profile. Make a point of answering questions in your field, to establish your expertise, raise your visibility, and most important, to build social capital with people in your network — you might need answers to a question of your own down the road.
9. Pat your own back and others'. Get recommendations from colleagues, clients, and employers who can speak credibly about your abilities or performance. (Think quality, not quantity.) Ask them to focus on a specific skill or personality trait that drives their thought of you. Make meaningful comments when you recommend others. And mix it up — variety makes your suggestions feel authentic.
10. Build your connections. Connections are one of the most important aspects of your brand: the company you keep reflects the quality of your brand. What happens when you scan a profile and see that you know someone in common? That profilee's stock with you soars. The value of that commonality works both ways. So identify connections that'll add to your credibility and pursue those.

What do you do when the recruiter calls and you're happy with your current job?

The phone rings, you pick it up, and the individual introduces himself as a recruiter. He then outlines a career opportunity, but can't name the company. He wants to know if you've any interest or can you advocate anyone for the position. What do you do?

If you are unhappy in your current position and the prospective job sounds attractive, you're going to give a positive answer. What do you say if you're happy where you're?

There's a right way and a wrong way to respond. Either choice will have a definite impact on your career. If you cut him off and indicate you're happy with your present position this is the wrong way to respond. Think long term. Now let's look at the situation.

In any career it's important to know what's happening in your industry, who is hiring, who is expanding, and who is leaving. Job opportunities in the hidden job market could potentially leverage your career. So your first choice is not to limit your options.

If your decision to say “no thanks” to the recruiter you just limited your options. And in taking this action you denied yourself access to potentially important career information.

Give the recruiter your home phone and make an appointment for him to call you when you've more time to speak. Listen to what he has to say. Ask questions. It's difficult for the recruiter not to give you information that you can make an informed guess on the employer.

If you're still not interested, perhaps you can advocate someone who might fit the position. If the recruiter lives in your area, take him to lunch. Or call him periodically to discuss events occurring in your industry. Develop an ongoing relationship with the recruiter to keep yourself informed and in control when and if you do need his services. And if not there will be occasions you can recommend friends.

This will just be another facet of your career where you’ll be in control rather than the company. Corporate buyouts and restructuring, layoffs and downsizing are taking place every day.

Recently the whole division staff of a huge company was let go although they were the most profitable division in the company. Two months ago the company founder died suddenly, there was an immediate lack of leadership and to keep the corporation afloat the profitable division was sold. No one saw it coming, and as recently as two months ago, everyone on the division staff thought they'd a bright career with the company.

So if it can happen this swiftly, don't you think it could happen to you. Having a support network to fall back on could pay off down the road. The relationships developed with recruiters and others mean you are in command of your career at exactly the times it isn't completely necessary. And isn't this the proper definition of managing your career?

John Groth is a career coach. Find valuable Career Development Ideas, in-depth articles and a free seven day career planning guide at his web site. Discover up to date recruitment and Job Hunting strategies; all to assist you in developing and advancing your career.

The phrases that are listed below are perhaps often perceived to be the most difficult to communicate effectively on a Resume. Get these right and filling in the gaps will become even easier.

1) Excellent Communication Skills - Both written and oral. A great way for your Resume to be noticed is to demonstrate and use examples of how you've the ability to communicate effectively with junior colleagues right through the CEO. A fantastic way to communicate this on your Resume is to use the phrase:

* Ability to be effective and persuasive when leasing with clients, junior colleagues and CEO both in person and via telephone and email.

* Write clear, informative and effective guidelines to ensure successful project execution.

* Interpret and present numerical and graphical data accurately and effectively.

* Identify and communicate problems to rectify them in a timely manner by implementing effective solutions.

2) Motivation/Initiative - is very difficult to communicate this on a Resume but get it right and it is a sure fire way to have your Resume at the top of the MUST INTERVIEW pile. A great way to demonstrate this on your Resume is:

* Set and achieve challenging goals whilst demonstrating persistence, commitment and dedication.

* Identifying and implementing ways to improve and promote quality through accuaracy and thoroughness.

* Committed to persistently achieving set targets and company objectives on a monthly and annual basis.

* Develop and implement cost saving formats to increase profits and revenue.

3) Leadership - to demonstrate leadership qualities on your Resume is one way for you to gain a promotion when you change your job. The examples below are what might give you the edge:

* Inspire, motivate and incentivize a team of talented professionals performance.

* Monitoring, evaluating and enhancing individual and team performance.

* Communicate, demonstrate and communicate change effectively.

* Effectively influence actions, views and results of colleagues.

4) Flexibility/Adaptability - all organizations will always look for employees who are flexible/adaptable to the changing needs of their business. To provide examples on your Resume is a great way to communicate that you’re not change resistant and you're able to grow with the organisation. Example:

* Monitor, evaluate and change to varying needs of individual business units.

* Following company guidelines and instructions and adapting rapidly to management directional changes.

* Adapting easily to frequent delays and changes whilst often working long and unpredictable hours to ensure deadlines are met.

* Adapting and remaining calm and focused under extreme pressure.

5) Organizational Skills - this is a soft skill that once communicated effectively will see your interview rate increase. A few glowing examples:

* Plan, prioritize and work effectively to ensure set deadlines are met.

* Organize, co-ordinate and schedule colleagues work effectively.

* Demonstrating persistence to overcome obstacles and achieve set work objectives within ever-changing time frames.

* Balancing individual and colleague responsibilities to meet deadlines.

By presenting yourself in a positive and flattering way on your Resume will make potential employers more receptive to interviewing you.

Do you know the Top 50 Recruiter Turn offs? Sign up to the Secure That Job Newsletter and get the TOP 50 Recruiter Turn-Off's Report FREE which shows you the mistakes job hunters make - Make these mistakes and you haven't got a chance of landing the job you want.

Sue Ellen Farmer's Complete Secure That Job Tool Kit takes you through the entire CV or Resume Writing and Job Search process so that you’re a skilled professional when it comes to looking for your dream job.

The most effective strategy to getting hired in record time is to pick up the phone and set up your own job interviews! Learn how to set up 3-5 job interviews THIS WEEK without a resume!

The job hunting process has become so routine. Job seekers are still following the same guidelines that only work for a select few.

Why do you still do the same thing? Wait patiently for a job listing. Submit a resume. Wait patiently for someone to call. Wait patiently for another job listing. Submit a resume. Then, wait patiently for another person to call? That makes no sense!

For those in that category, you must understand that you're ruining your chances of getting hired just by waiting on others' to contact you for an interview.

A good recruiter would NEVER send in a candidate's resume, then sit and wait for a response, and repeat the same process over and over again with minimum results. A good recruiter would call his client (or potential client), pitch the candidate's experience, and arrange an interview (or at least a tentative interview) before submitting a single document.

Maybe it's a hidden secret among recruiters. Maybe it's a general rule only experienced recruiters seem to follow. Either way, it's time for the general public to begin doing things differently and dramatically increase their chances of getting hired instead of waiting by the phone for it to ring.

There are FIVE major steps to this process. If done right, you'll be able to set up at least 3-5 job interviews in record time. I’ll give you sections from three of my five steps to setting up interviews in record time.

Here's a section of Step ONE:

I. Decide which positions you’re interested in. This is an essential step in this process because most people are pretty vague when communicating what kind of positions they're interested in. This annoys hiring authorities quite a bit. In fact, it is a primary cause for applicants being turned down for positions.

You've to be prepared to hear comments such as, “We already have enough candidates for that position.” or “You don't have enough experience for this position.” etc.

If you plan properly during this step, you’ll be far ahead of your competitors. Never pick up the phone and call a potential employer without being able to offer alternative solutions to get yourself in the door. This planning stage is critical!

Here is a section of step TWO: Create a list of potential employers. This isn't as simple as it sounds. There are lots of others ways to find out who is hiring aside from job searching online. Be creative and think outside of the box.

Here is a section of step THREE: Start sourcing the names of the hiring managers you’ll need to speak with. At this point, DO NOT contact them. There's so much more to cover before you get to that stage.

Once you've finished all five steps, you'll be ready to set up your own job interviews and receive great job offers in no time.

Fact: The proof is in the numbers. Don't give up after your first try. In most cases, you will have to speak with 10-20 people before you get your first interview. Either way, it's superior than waiting for the phone to ring!

Job TIP: Be wise with the information you decide to place on your resume. Many people are not even called in for an interview because of simple mistakes they make on their resumes. They also make interview mistakes which prevents them from getting job offers.

Put these simple techniques to work, refuse to give up, and you should be able to set up 3-5 interviews in less than a few days. Trust me, experienced recruiters do this each day, and it works!

Read the entire interview training guide and get ahead of your competition!

VP of a staffing firm and Career Author of How to Set Up 3-5 Job Interviews THIS WEEK Without a Resume! and 25 Reasons Why THEY Won't Hire You! http://www.setupinterviews.com

To Send or Not to Send a Letter Your letter could be the tiebreaker between you and two, or even three, candidates so put some thought and effort behind what you say. Even if it doesn't get you the job, what do you've to lose - the cost of a postage stamp? Hedge your bet it could land you a job.

To send or not to send - will it really make a difference?

Catherine was looking for a business analyst for a position that had been vacant for four weeks. She was eager to hire, but wanted the right person in the job. She had narrowed the field to three candidates, Jim, Kelly, and Steven.

She had promised to call them by Friday, and on Wednesday afternoon she was still vacillating. Each had a strength she was looking for, but each also had some issues that had made her stand back and be objective. Jim had held several jobs in the last few years. Would he stick around for the tough times ahead? Kelly was ambitious, but didn't have the depth of experience interacting with difficult people. And, Steven was the quiet type who didn't reveal himself enough for her to get to know what he could offer, particularly interfacing with other departments and working under pressure.

When Catherine opened her email that morning she had 42 emails. She had glanced over them and thought she had seen Jim's name among the many, but hadn't taken the time to read it. She had 17 voice mails and there was a one from Kelly, but she only listened long enough to hear that she was thanking her for the interview. She hadn't heard from Jim.

That afternoon, Catherine closed her door. She was going to catch up and then work on her decision regarding the business analyst position. The first thing she did was open her mail. Among the mail was a letter from Steven. It caught her attention because of the depth she could see he had gone to. She stopped and read the letter.

Dear Catherine:

Choosing the right candidate is not an simple task and I want you to know I've been in your shoes before.

Based on our interview, I’ve done some thinking about the position and how I could bring added value to your organization and support some of the problems you discussed in during the interview…

What followed was a spreadsheet with the issues Steven had picked up during the interview. He not only identified some of the problems, but also showed how he could be the solution based on past experience. As Catherine read the letter she became intrigued, and liked what she read. This guy not only heard the issues, but he'd given them some thought and did some analysis - looked beyond what was stated. This was a trait she was seeking. She wanted to speak to him again.

The follow-up, thank you, letter is more than a nice “thank you for the interview.” It is one more chance for you to sell yourself, and to tell them what you can do for them. Don't assume the interviewer remembers everything you stated. When three candidates are interviewed and compared, some of the highlights you hoped would be considered, got lost or forgotten. Remind them of what you can do for them - not what they can do for you.

Sooner or later the time will probably come that you've to undergo a background check. To most people, the prospect of subjecting yourself to scrutiny by an unknown organization is little cause for concern. For others, however it can be an agonizing ordeal that could affect their livelihood and the future course of their lives. So if you're one of those people who is anxious about the fact that you’ll have to undergo a background check as a prerequisite to being hired at the job of your choice; what do you do? How should you approach the subject?

RULE # 1: PLAN AHEAD. If you have a criminal record that you think may prevent you from getting the job you want look into having the record expunged. When a local court expunges a record it is just care about it never happened. It should not show up again on your criminal record. HOWEVER, it is possible that it will show up in a statewide or NCIC (FBI) check because the records are already in that system and it might be a while before they're purged. Do a Google search on 'criminal records expungement' and you'll find a wealth of information including firms that will do it for you and ones that'll provide all the paperwork so that you can do it yourself and save money. Note that this isn't a quick fix. The process could take a while. Do a preemptive background check on yourself if needed. Go down to the court clerk's office and ask to get a copy of your criminal record in that county. This is something that you should address before you start sending out resume's.

If your problem is a poor performance record at a previous job try to make it right with the previous employer. Just about everyone has had a boss that they didn't get along with for whatever reason. You know that if this person is contacted by a prospective employer that he/she will paint a picture of you as an inept idiot. One recommendation is to swallow your pride and admit your problems and try to convince them that you’ve changed so that if he's called on for a reference you at least have a shot at a positive response. Have a friend call your previous employer and find out what they’re saying about you when asked about your competency, character or performance. Be preemptive in your resume'. Address the problem where you can describe it on your own terms.

Try volunteering to help charities with your particular skill. A positive reference goes a long way to balancing out a negative one.

RULE # 2: TELL THE TRUTH. Let's state that you had a “minor indiscretion” on your record such as shoplifting. If your job application asks if you've ever been convicted of a crime you should tell the truth and answer correctly. If you don't, and you are found out, in the mind of the Human Resources person you are not only a thief, but a liar as well. It is much superior for you to tell them than for them to find out about your record later. You might want to rehearse this with someone before you're interviewed. Be prepared to tell them why the 'incident' happened and how you learned from that experience and how you’re a changed person now.

Also, you should know that background checkers are people too. When a person at a background checking company is working on your file and they find out that you didn’t tell the truth about your criminal or job history, they are going to approach the rest of your report with a higher degree of skepticism. That's just human nature. Your report then tends gets reexamined with a fine tooth comb.

RULE # 3: ANSWER QUESTIONS AS THEY ARE ASKED. Don't volunteer any information that's not asked for. Example: if the questionnaire asks you if you've been convicted of a crime in the last 7 years and your conviction was 7 years and one week ago, you answer “No.” If the question asks you if you've ever been convicted of a felony, don't volunteer any information about a misdemeanor. Be prepared for these questions in an interview and on an application. If at all possible have an application e-mailed to you so that you can fill it out at your leisure.

RULE # 4: LEARN WHAT YOUR RIGHTS AND OPTIONS ARE. Law books are full of the rights of individuals and nowhere is this more true than in the employment arena. Again, do your homework. Learn what recourse you have if a potential employer denies you employment based on a negative background check finding. For instance, did you know that you've the right to actually see the background check report and to challenge its findings if they’re incorrect? Nothing in that report should come as a surprise to you. You know where you worked, where you went to school what degrees and accolades you earned.

Conversely, you need to be aware of the rights of the employer to know about your past. For example most people believe that there are certain questions that an employer can't ask of a previous employer. THAT IS SIMPLY NOT TRUE. It's one of those urban legends that people think is true. A previous employer might refuse to answer the question, but a prospective employer can ask anything they want to.

I could write a whole article just on this question of what can be asked. Let me explain it simply. And employer can ask any question about your competency, character, work habits, attitude, etc. Most employers stopped answering those kinds of questions years ago, but that doesn't mean they can't be asked. In fact, a smart background checker will get those questions answered in some form although a person has been instructed not to answer those type of questions. I always say that those 'rules' were started by lazy attorneys (you know, the ones who get paid the same if they work or not). They tell people at their company not to answer those questions because they don't want a potential lawsuit from an ex-employee. Well, what has happened is that more aggressive attorneys on the other side of the issue started suing companies that refused to give negative (but true) information on a previous employee, believing that by not answering a direct question they've, in fact, shifted liability to themselves. Another myth that virtually everyone believes is that an employer can't ask your date of birth. NOT TRUE. They can't discriminate based on your age (for that reason many don't ask) but it is usually required for a criminal history report. Any employer that believes that date of birth can’t be asked probably also believes that their interviewer needs to be blindfolded so that, God forbid, he can't tell a person's sex or race.

We always suggest that a previous employer tell DOCUMENTABLE TRUTH. Example: If I ask a previous employer if there's anything that they have the ability to tell me about an applicant's competency or character and they answer by saying, “He was a real bum. He was always late for work and didn't care about his job.” That could get them sued, but if they answer with documentable truth such as, “We have a policy here that if you’re late three times you’re written-up. He was written-up three times in two years.” That can be documented.

What do you do if you’ve a major negative on your record such as a felony conviction for embezzlement and you’re looking for work as an accountant? One suggestion is that you look into having yourself bonded at your own expense. That takes away the danger from the employer. It might be somewhat high-priced for you, but that might be what it takes for you to work in your chosen profession.

In summary, plan ahead, do your homework and know and comprehend your rights and the rights of your prospective employer.

Kit Fremin is the owner and founder of Background Check International. Since 1994 BCI has served clients a varied as: the LA Times, Department of Defense, Mars, Inc., the UN, the NTSB and Calvary Chapels nationwide. His website is: http://www.bcint.com and he has the capability to be e-mailed at kit@bcint.com.

Using Your Network to Market Your Personal “Brand”

Relationships form the foundation of business. Building strong and meaningful business relationships paves a pathway to success in the long term. Consider the following questions as you prepare to network and market yourself:

* What personal or professional goals are you striving to reach when networking?
* Which of your strengths are the right ones to market?
* What organizations or events are likely to be valuable networking venues?
* How much time do you’ve to devote to networking, and when can you fit it in?
* What benchmarks will you use to gauge your success?

What You Need to Know What’s the value of marketing myself?

Research shows that people who are successful in their careers tend to spend more time networking. They have a huge, varied, and active network of contacts and are involved in professional and community activities outside their business. The successful ones never stop looking for opportunities to be more visible. How is networking different from politicking? I don't want to look bad.

Networking is done for the good of your business, rather than for personal gain. Successful networkers draw people to them because of their connections and resources. When should I network?

Any gathering can be an opportunity for networking. You should always be looking for chances to network. As you build professional relationships, always ask yourself: “What do I’ve to give this person?” “How can I help that person?” Networking is a give-and-take process. The more you do for others, the more they'll want to do for you. This will build on itself as time goes on, helping you develop your own network of contacts. What to Do Clarify Your Personal Objectives

The reasons for networking and marketing yourself are not limited to a handful, and they may change in the course of your career. For example, when starting up or trying to grow a small business, one's might include seeking support for a major project, finding funding, or forming partnerships with local businesses. When seeking a new job or promotion, networking can help you find the right person to give you expert guidance. Building a network of relationships is important any time, but it is much more effective to have an objective when building these relationships. Knowing what you want to accomplish will make you more efficient in prioritizing your networking activities Itemize Your Strengths

Knowing your strengths and how to market them is key in any career. It will be helpful to you when you set out to market yourself to write down a list of your skills and capabilities, what special knowledge you’ve, what experiences you have had that define you, and what traits and beliefs make up your character. Post copies of your list wherever you might see them frequently: the refrigerator, the dashboard of your vehicle, your wallet. Keep your strengths at the forefront of your mind so that you always remember that your contacts will value what you’ve to offer.

Network from a position of strength, never weakness. In other words, have something of value to offer your contacts. You do not want to be seen as an annoyance. As far as possible, begin your networking campaign before you’ve to ask others for help: people will be more willing to help you out if they know you. Join or create a network to build relationships, and do what you can to help others or the organization. Helping others, even when you do not have a clear objective in mind, is like putting money in the bank, which you will be able to withdraw down the line when you’re in need of help. Identify Organizations and Events for Networking

To create a list of organizations and events where you will be able to meet contacts, start by speaking to your coworkers. Read trade journals and visit related web sites. Keep your eyes open for special interest groups that you can join, like those for “entrepreneurial women” or “startup owners.” Join in. Think about not only joining organizations but volunteering for them. When you are at professional events, look for ways to meet and speak to people, such as attending social functions, or joining people for dinner. Form a List of Contacts

Creating and maintaining a contact list is an essential tool in marketing yourself throughout your career. When you have identified your objectives in marketing yourself, brainstorm all the people you know who might help you, keeping your objectives in mind. Then prioritize the list in order of who might be most helpful to you. Include those who have helped you in the past but might not be of direct help to you now. Ask these people who else they might know who could help you. Develop an Action Plan and Schedule

Now that you have a list of organizations and events, combined with your contact list, you can formulate a plan of action. Set up a schedule for making a certain number of calls per day or week to the people on your contact list. Fill your calendar with the networking events you’ve identified. Spend your time at these conferences, organization meetings, and other networking events making new connections. Get Out There

Spend as much of your time as you can manage attending events and meeting people. Beforehand, take another look at your list of strengths. At the event itself, focus on your objectives in marketing yourself. Visualizing a successful outcome can help bring about that very result. Strive for a friendly and professional demeanor but don’t forget to be yourself. Connect with people on a personal level first, before asking for help. When you’ve a meeting with a person from your contact list, bring a gift. This will help them remember you and it will demonstrate your appreciation for their time and expertise. Put the Internet to Good Use

You can use the Internet to make connections too, as well as to learn valuable information from colleagues. The World wide web removes distances between people and opens up a world of contacts you wouldn’t otherwise find. Use one of the on the internet search engines to find newsgroups or bulletin boards for your field or topic. Market Your “Brand”

In marketing a product, marketers look for the “Unique Selling Proposition” (USP), some feature of the product or service that’s unique and relevant. If you think of yourself as a “brand,” you need to define who your “customers” are and what your Very special Selling Proposition is. Review your list of strengths and create a slogan for yourself, a short phrase that spells out your USP, like “My negotiation skills resolve conflicts” or “I solve problems through teamwork.”

Once you’ve created your USP, brainstorm ways that you can market your unique qualities. You want to create desire in your customers for “Brand You.” You can do this by communicating what you’ve to offer, for example by writing an article in a newsletter or volunteering to give a talk. Make sure your “brand” has visibility. Track Your Progress

In order to keep track of your progress, keep a notebook. Use it to record your action plan, but also set short term goals, or benchmarks, that you can check off as you accomplish them. For example, if you have a goal of a certain number of contact calls per week, you can mark that off when completed. When we make ourselves accountable for our actions, we’re more prone to follow through. Using a friend, partner, or professional coach—another person you can be accountable to—as a sounding board can contribute to this. It also helps to have someone who will celebrate your successes and achievements with you. Always State “Thank You”

In the process of networking, you’ll count on many people to aid you by offering information, opportunities, or valuable contacts. Use your notebook to keep track of who has done what for you. Write each person who has helped you a thank you note. People appreciate being appreciated, and will be more prone to help you again. Stick to It

Expect to use your networking and marketing skills throughout your career. They are long-term skills that’ll serve you well over time, but might not bear fruit right away. Don't give up and remember that at first you should expect more than you get. If you stick to the basic principles throughout your career, however, your network will become one of your most valued assets. What to Avoid You Worry About Being a Bother

Many people enjoy helping others. You might run across a few who do not. But it never hurts to ask, especially if you use the right methods. Be prepared, be professional, and keep your word. Do not take up too much of anyone's time. Be specific when asking to meet with someone. State, “I'd like 30 minutes of your time,” and then stick to it. Whenever you meet with someone, think of what you can do to help that person. Try to create situations where both you and the other person come out ahead. You Try to Force It

Forcing your “brand” on someone who is not interested is not what networking is all about.. Successful networking is a give and take process that takes into account the needs of both parties. Your modus operandi should be to develop long-term relationships. Remember to focus on building relationships, not on immediate results. You Don't Try Hard Enough

If you find yourself in networking situations without ever bringing up your own needs or interests, you need to reevaluate your networking methods and goals. Perhaps you are not clear in your mind about why you’re networking, or you don't feel strongly enough about it. Turn back to step one and clarify your purpose.

Most job search experts find networking to be the most successful way to secure a new position. Networking opportunities are everywhere. The next person you meet could be a future employer or could lead you to a new job opportunity.

Here are 9 tips you can use to improve your networking skills:

1. KNOW EXACTLY what it is that you want from others. Have a plan in place before you start your networking. Prepare questions in advance of a meeting. Be prepared, courteous, succinct, and appreciative.

2. HAVE A POSITIVE ATTITUDE that manifests itself throughout your networking efforts. No one wants to help a glum person who has no self-confidence.

3. TALK TO STRANGERS. Despite what your Mother told you, it is OK to mingle with people you haven't been formally introduced to at meetings, concerts, sporting events, political rallies, and even on airplanes.

4. SHARE INFORMATION, ideas, resources, and contacts with others. “The more you give, the more thou shalt receive!” Networking is ideal treated as a two-way street.

5. DON'T ASK for too much at one time. Limit the amount of help or information you seek from any one person to avoid becoming a burden on that individual.

6. DON'T FORGET to follow-up on leads provided by the people you talk to. You can never predict where a tidbit of information might lead.

7. HONOR OTHERS' desire for confidentiality. Trust is a vital part of networking.

8. KEEP IT BRIEF and don't monopolize other people's time. It might even be necessary to make arrangements to call or meet at another time if you discover areas of vital interest.

9. CONTINUE YOUR EFFORTS to network even after you've secured a new position. Networking should become a part of your each day business life because there will always by ways an active network can help you achieve your goals. It is also a powerful tool for enriching your life and the lives of those in your network.

LTC Donald B. Skipper, USA (Ret.) has been associated with the military to civilian transition process as a senior consultant for 22 years and is currently the CEO of Career Beginnings, Inc. He's a Credentialed Career Master, Certified Employment Interview Consultant, and Certified Electronic Career Coach. Don is an active member of the Professional Resume Writing and Research Association, the Association of Job Search Trainers, and the Career Master's Institute. You might visit with him at http://www.nofeartransitions.us

Like most people, you've undoubtedly thought about how great it would be to work from home. Just envision, working for yourself with no one to answer to.

How would it feel to get up in the morning and plan your day with the things that you want to do. You could take the day off when you want to, not when it works for your company. You can trade in your stress of being an employee to start your own home based business.

If you're ready for a career advancement in becoming your own boss, here are some of the perks that you can expect to care about.

10 Second Commute

Just think of all the extra time that you'll have when you can give up your daily commute. Your commute will now involve a 10 second walk to your home office. Instead of wasting 8-10 hours a week commuting to work, you'll receive the benefit of a full extra workday a week to devote to building your business.

Write Your Own Paycheck

When you work for someone else, you're increasing their bottom line with your hard work. However, you are probably not receiving the compensation that you deserve. That's all a distance memory now. The profits that you earn from your efforts will go into your pocket.

Decreased Expenses

When you stop leaving the home to work, you start putting money back into your pocket. You will be amazed at how swiftly things like gas for your car, clothing costs, and eating meals out really add up. An added benefit are all of the tax benefits that you can take advantage of by working from home.

Time Freedom

The truly remarkable benefit of creating a profitable work at home business is that it gives you the flexibility to work when you want. You are accountable only to yourself. So the more you work, the more money you can anticipate to make. In the same way, you don't need special permission to go to your son's midday basketball game or run an important errand.

Are you ready to take a leap of faith and begin signing your own paycheck? Once you select your business to build, you can create a steady stream of income and take control of your time and your life. It will take some hard work and dedication, but if you stick with it, you'll be amazed at the results.

�If you are looking to start working from home, visit http://www.WealthyMarketer1.org . Brian McCoy is a six figure earner and one of the top income earners in the home business industry. Brian works with entrepreneurs around the world. He devotes the time, energy, and effort into his team and works with them to ensure their success.