Network, Network, Network

Network, Network, Network And Network some more! Although youmay be one of many who have landed a new job recently as 93,200 jobs were added last month in Canada and unemployment ratesdropped sharplyto 7.9%even with asteady decline over theprevious five months, this is not the time to stop networking. Nor is it recommended that you stop networking at anytime. Maintaining a network is the most critical componentin managing a career and the most successful job search tool available.The resulting success of networking will almost always be related toreciprocation. The give and take balance in any relationshipwilldetermine in the long run how successful it is, whether it is between colleagues, partners, employer and employees,siblings or even best friends.Most people will not venture toofar out of their wayfor anyone who has not left them with theimpression that they would do the same in return.Always maintain a professional profile online and off to secure a recommendation through networking and neverburn bridges even after a termination orlayoff. Bad impressions can have a negative impact well into your future andresult in many lost opportunities. Many people becomeavid networkers only while they are inneed of something, such asajob and as soon as they land the new job, which will likely be acquired as a result ofnetworking, they stop maintaining the relationships that put them there. Yes, it worked this time but how receptive will those same connections be next year or the year after when youneed them again? Studies show some discrepancy in the average length of job tenure but suffice to say, lifetime careers are no longer the norm andfacing unemploymentona number of occasions throughout your career is inevitable. For those whostruggle with their comfort level in networking, it shouldbe a much less dauntingtask and certainly more productive with the advent of social media. Finding individuals or businesses requires a simple search and anyone involved in an executive career will most certainly have a profile on Linkedin. The opportunity of a personal introduction through a close contactallows you to skip the cold call process and at the same time proceed with a level of acceptance associated withthat of a mutual acquaintance. The ease of networking and connecting with othersmakes Linkedin theultimate blueprint for networking including instructions for completing a professional profile,use of a varietyof applications and a location to acceptwell respected testimonials from colleagues. Networking is noteasy for everyone but there arecertainly steps that can be taken toeffectively network with a confident demeanour, the mostinfluential component of networking and to present a professional impression. Here are fivesuggestions: Compose a short and long version of your professional infomercial/elevator speech/introduction and practice it at every opportunity with friends, relatives, and on your own with a mirror and a webcam or video camera! Maintain a professional online profile on Linkedin. Research suitable networking events and dress for success. Always reciprocate!Dont ever walk away without asking, What value can I bring to you? Finally, did you exchange business cards? Networking while currently employed or in career transition isan essential toolfor generatingopportunities, staying current and successfully obtaining your next appointment within the shortest period of time!Career Management expert, Martin Buckland says, The day you land your next job is the day to start your next job search. As a member of Career Collective we are able to provide you with the followingprofessional advice from other members of the Career Collective,Collaboratively Helping Job Seekers: 5 Little Secrets About Networking, @Careersherpa Networking: Easy as 1, 2 , 3, @WorkWithIllness How to Take the Intimidation Out of Networking, @heathermundell Networking for the Shy and Introverted, @KatCareerGal A tale of two networkers, @DawnBugni Introvert or Extrovert: Tips for the Job Search No Matter Which Vert You Are, @erinkennedycprw Networking for Job Candidates Who Hate Networking, @heatherhuhman Networking? Ugh! @resumeservice Network, Network, Network, @MartinBuckland @EliteResumes 3 ways to make networking fun for introverts and extroverts, @Keppie_Careers Grow Your Career Networking Seeds Organically, @ValueIntoWords Networking: Its a Way of Life, @WalterAkana Social Media Networking Your Career, @GayleHoward Networking for the Networking-Phobic, @JobHuntOrg