How often have you heard that networking is the best way to find a job; build relationships, or find business opportunities? Too many times than you care to remember, particularly if it hasn’t worked for you, right? For some of us, networking is like going to the dentist. We know it has its benefits, but we are so fearful that we either refuse to go, or when we do, we break out in a cold sweat.

 

Successful networking depends on your perception – you either believe in it or you don’t. There are those who believe it is forced, pushy, artificial and one-sided, and does not work. Of course, many people behave just like that and give the process a bad name. Then there are those who have evidence that it works, but that it takes a lot of time to cultivate and nurture relationships. They also know that networking is unselfish and a two-way process.

 

Networking also depends on your personality. If you are an introvert you might not feel comfortable talking to people you do not know, and for you it becomes a burden. If you are an extrovert who enjoys interacting in a stimulating, fast-paced, energizing environment, then networking will be easier.

 

Whichever label best describes you, you don’t have to be afraid and you don’t need to know a lot of people for you to be successful at networking. You may have heard of the six-degree of separation theory that says we are only six introductions away from meeting the person or persons we want to meet. This, of course, takes a lot of effort, but if you want to get anywhere or you want to meet anyone, you have to do what it takes to get noticed. You can begin the process now by following these six tips:

 

1. Assess yourself to determine if you are an introvert or an extrovert. Are you the one who stands in a corner of the room waiting for someone to make the first contact, or are you the one who feels comfortable approaching an individual or a group?

 

2. Decide what type(s) of networking activities you want to pursue. Do you want to attend an event where you meet only a few people and spend more time with those people, or do you prefer to meet and speak with an individual for a few minutes, then politely excuse yourself and move on to the next person?

 

3. Cultivate an Online personal Brand. ensure your LinkedIn profile is not just a cut and paste from your resume. Craft a compelling profile that works in conjunction with your resume to demonstrate your unique promise of value. Join industry groups that support your growth and publish discussions and comments within those groups..

 

4. Create and contribute to blogs that relate to your career interests. A blog, or weblog, for those who do not know, is an online journal. Become known as an expert by writing and/or discussing trends in your field. Be mindful of what you write because according to the website Blogger.com, "...blogs are available to a public audience like television, newspapers, and radio. When you publish a blog entry, you are broadcasting this information to a potential audience of millions."

 

5. Write articles for LinkedIn Groups and e-zines. If you enjoy writing, search for e-zines (electronic magazines) that match your interests and submit your articles. These will be published on the web if they fall within the editor’s publishing guidelines. Again, this is another way of becoming known as an expert. One popular e-zine site is http://www.ezinearticles.com.

 

6. Join Toastmasters. Becoming a part of Toastmasters is not only one of the most cost-effective ways to develop your public speaking and networking skills, but it also provides opportunities to hone your overall communication and leadership skills. Visit them at www.toastmasters.org to find a chapter that’s close to you.

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Daisy Wright is a career transition coach, professional resume writer and contributing writer to several career books. She is the author of “No Canadian Experience, Eh? A Career Survival Guide for New Immigrants”, to be available soon. She can be reached by phone at (905) 840-7039, by email at careercoach@thewrightcareer.com

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