Networking for career success

When carried out in a planned, organized way, networking can bring you tremendous benefits - not only jobs, but new friends, acquaintances who can help you with aspects of your work, and sources of information you might not have been able to get otherwise.

A good definition of networking is the systematic development and maintenance of personal and professional contacts for mutual career benefits. The term has been so overused that some people dislike it. But no matter what you call it, networking is an important tool for anyone seeking professional advancement.

The networking idea rests on the old principle - it's not what you know, it's who you know. You don't have to limit yourself to a small, carefully selected group of people, consider including a wide variety of people in your network: family members, relatives, neighbors, colleagues, teachers, fellow students, other health care professionals - even professionals in other fields.

Keep the following tips in mind:

• Be organized. Carry a notebook or handheld computer to record the names, titles, addresses, and telephone numbers of contacts. Another good approach is to collect business cards and file them alphabetically according to areas of expertise. Write on the back of the card any information that will help you remember where you met the person, how he or she might be able to help you, and any follow-up you may have promised to undertake during your conversation.
• Be reasonable when requesting help from contacts. Find out about their limitations ahead of time - things such as rank, resources, or expertise - so you don't ask for something they are unable to give. That way, you will avoid embarrassing them and yourself.
• Follow up with your contacts to let them know how leads they gave you turned out. A formal letter is not necessary - handwritten notes or telephone calls are usually better because of their personal touch. Don't forget to make a notation in your records of any written correspondence or calls.
• Use good manners. Always be polite and listen to what contacts have to say. Don't waste their time - be direct and specific when seeking help or information. Be respectful of others' busy schedules. And be sure to send a thank-you note to anyone who referred you to a job or professional opportunity. Many job seekers only remember to thank the interviewer and forget the person who helped them get the interview in the first place.
• Nurture your networking contacts. If you get in touch with people only when you need something, they will quickly pick up on it and will no longer want to help you. Networking should work two ways. You support your contacts by giving them constructive feedback, providing information, introducing them to key people, and referring them to professional opportunities. In return, they will do the same for you.
• Use current contacts to find new ones. When questioning contacts, always ask them to refer you to others in the field. Then use the name of the first person as a reference when contacting the second person.
• Be sincere. You have to be genuinely interested in - and conversant on - subjects that are dear to the person. If you're not sincere, it will come across very quickly and you end up losing the good will of that contact. Then you would have been better off if you had never attempted to approach the person in the first place.

• Become active in your professional association - attend conferences, serve on committees, and volunteer your services. Offering to do the "grunt" work when serving on a committee will build favors and a positive reputation for yourself.
• Ask friends from other professions to invite you to their meetings occasionally.
• Contact your school's career center or alumni association. Find out if they sponsor networking and social opportunities and get yourself on the mailing list.
• When reading professional publications, keep a close eye on the names of people mentioned and think about how you could get to know those who share your interests or goals. A good way to pave the way for meeting someone is to send a note on an issue of mutual concern first.
• Get involved in a community volunteer clearinghouse and lend bits of time and advice to organizations, boards, and committees that need your help.
• Keep in touch with former teachers and professors. Ask them to let you know who the up-and-coming professionals are or to alert you to opportunities in your field
• Get to know a few retirees in your field. You'll probably learn a lot, and your visits will mean a great deal to them.
• Join an informal lunch or breakfast club - or start one if such a thing doesn't exist in your area.
• At conferences, stop at exhibits and booths, and make the acquaintance of the exhibitors and other visitors.
• Offer to organize an in-house seminar for your fellow students or colleagues.
• Seek out opportunities to be a volunteer speaker for civic organizations and other groups.
• Write notes of congratulations to others on their professional achievements.
• Conduct "informational interviews" - nonthreatening, advice-seeking meetings - with prospective employers, clients, or professional contacts.
• Get to know your own relatives. Find out where they work and whom they know. The contacts you can build from that one source alone may surprise you.
• Take on a tough job, especially one that puts you in touch with a diverse audience.