It seems everyday I hear of a new way to network . . . if you are not on LikedIn and FaceBook these days people think you are not a real person. And now we have Twitter (more on my adventures in Tweeting later).  Now that so many people are looking for work, networking is all the buzz. If you are like most of my clients, however, you have let your network fall away or maybe you never really had one to start.

People report being on on LinkedIn & FaceBook and sending out multiple resumes (usually btw midnight & 4 am) and are mystified by why employers are not knocking down their doors.   Don't stop using these methods, but now is the time to expand your approach.  Social networking connections may help you learn more about a person but just because you are Linked or Friended does not mean that you have a real connection to the other person.  The best way to network is to be in the same circles and/or locations as the people you are most interested in meeting.  And call me old fashioned, but I still say there is no better way to connect than face to face.

Networking takes time and your network will become more rich and valuable to you if you put the time into developing and maintaining it for the REST OF YOUR LIFE . . . not just when you are in a job search.  The whole point of networking is to make meaningful and memorable connections with actual people. And I gaurantee that if you make it your job to develop, nurture, and maintain a healthy network of professional peers and business associates you will not be left out in the cold for long next time you are seeking a new position.

Here is my hot tip on networking for the rest of your life . . . deepen and broaden everywhere you go. 

At every social/professional event or gathering you attend deepen your current relationships by reconnecting, checking in about common interests, well-being, etc.  Take a moment to find out how the people you already know are in their lives -- don't just ask "are you busy?"  Ask about what they are doing for entertainment, what their plans are for the upcoming weekend.  You may find a common interest that will bring you closer to that person. 

You may be asking yourself "why would I want to know all that personal stuff?"  Here's why:  if you have only one connection to a person they may recognize you next time, but probably forget your name: if you have two connections they will likely remember your face and name but the conversation may still be filled with chit chat; if you have three connections, each time you meet you are immediately engaged in a deeper conversation that surpasses nervous chit chat and you are now in a position to ask for assistance on a project, get introduced to someone at their workplace, or even ask for a job when the time comes. 

And by the way, no one enjoys the chit chat we all endure at "networking" events . .  it is painful for everyone.  If you are like me and you meet a lot people bur easily forget names (don't take it personally) then remind people of your name when you reconnect so they are stimulated to say their name.  It's great when people remember your name, but unfortunately most of us absrob so much new information every day that unless we have 2 or 3 connections to another person, the name may slip away.

The next step is to broaden into a few new connections.  Make it a point to meet a couple-few new people each time you are at one of these events.  Don't focus on collecting business cards, but rather find some common connection.  If you focus on meeting just a couple people and making a meaningful connection you will get more from the event than if you swap cards with 10 or 15 people.

If you think meeting new people ranks second to eating slugs, join at least 3/4 of the population.  So, meet new people from the connections you already have.  Attend the event with a friend who already knows a few people and get introduced.  (just remember not to hang on your friend's arm all evening).  If you have lived and worked in the local community for a few years, you will probably see people you know from other associations.

More on refining the netwoking process in the next entry.

bee well my friends and remember to Deepen & Broaden for the rest of your life.