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How To Network To Your Next Job

Posted: Thursday, March 04, 2010

by Len Strickler
Len Strickler Motivational Seminars

You have probably already realized that layoffs have truncated staff; cost-cutting measures are threatening projects, and morale is at an all-time low. And the worst is yet to come as the financial institutions to the big three auto dealers to the state of California all want a bailout. Most of our 401(k)s have suffered losses and many are facing foreclosure. How will you survive the coming chaos?

One way is to understand the power of your contacts and be prepared with a strategy to expand them. Building and maintaining meaningful connections with others has proven to be the most effective way to not only find your next opportunity, but also as a meaningful pursuit. You may just find lifelong friends. In this e-book we are going to examine how to build a network of trustworthy relationships that will serve you and your network for a lifetime. In my many international travels as a corporate executive building and empowering high performance sales teams one of the most enjoyable things to me was meeting other folks in other countries that had the same desires for their families as you and I.

In my coaching sessions I have many clients come to me who say, "Help me network fast," "I need a job," or "I need to meet 'so and so' next week." Unfortunately, this is the wrong approach to networking. Networking takes time. It is a process. One has to be willing to give first before receiving.

Even though networking has been known as the number one way to find your next opportunity most of us are reluctant to building linkages with strangers. In a recent survey by ExecuNet 70 percent of executives describe networking as painful and difficult. Another survey indicated that more than 60 percent of respondents said that is exactly how they found their last job or new opportunity within their networks.

Here are some simple and effective tips on how to survive and thrive by building a strong network.

Give first. Use the law of reciprocity: give first, then ask. Effective networking is a mutual exchange of ideas and information, not a method of asking for favors.
Be positive. Becoming a skilled at networking is easier when you are willing to listen and care about others.
Be realistic. Creating an effective network takes time and energy. To receive a referral from someone you must be memorable, which can take from five to seven touches with a single individual. That's why it is important to build linkages.
Be prepared. Take time to map out a networking strategy that will save you and your contacts time and energy. Know what industries, targeted companies or other opportunities you may be seeking. It makes it easier for others to help you. Also, think of how you may help your contact with job opportunities or other areas of interest to them.
Be proactive. Make sure you follow up, follow up, and follow up. Make sure you send a thank you note, e-mail, phone call, or an article that may be of interest to your contact.

Hopefully, the strategies and tips in this e-book will you jump start your networking campaigns as you survive and thrive with making your contacts count. "There are four steps to accomplishment: Plan purposely, prepare prayerfully, proceed positively, and pursue persistently." - Anonymous

Len Strickler is best described as a motivational coach, teacher and speaker who is unquestionably passionate about building, training, and leading remarkably successful sales teams that deliver fast-to-market results. As a sales executive, he has spent more than 25 years helping high-tech, global companies capture revenue to support product innovation activities, seize a competitive advantage, and generate profit fast. He thrives on the challenges and adventures of working in a global environment. He integrates a powerful mix of visionary leadership, collaborative team approaches, innovative thinking, and sales team mentoring and training to deliver enviable sales results for companies interested in shattering sales performance records. If you would like more great tips on networking and making your contatcts count check out my FREE E_BOOK http://breakingthroughthebarriersnow.com/networking.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Len_Strickler

Len Strickler is best described as a motivational coach, teacher and speaker who is unquestionably passionate about building, training, and leading remarkably successful sales teams that deliver fast-to-market results. As a sales executive, he has spent more than 25 years helping high-tech, global companies capture revenue to support product innovation activities, seize a competitive advantage, and generate profit fast. .

Are You Ready to Take Your Company To the Next Level? Let Len help your company or team? "Break Through The Barriers NOW" Book him today to speak at your next event! Visit: http://www.breakingthroughthebarriers.com . Check out our new FREE E-Book "Team Building In Times Of Chaos" Click Here FREE http://www.breakingthroughthebarriersnow.com/tb.html

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