Career
Pathways
Successful Networking
It is an unwritten fact of life that the key to finding a new job is networking. Despite this, most people either fail to develop adequate networks, or fail to utilize their networks effectively. In order to grow, and then subsequently take advantage of, a network, the basic fact to remember is that a network simply comprises the relationships you develop with people. It is through developing and nurturing these relationships with other people that the job search becomes faster and more effective.
But relationships need to be developed, and the way to do that is through helping other people. Make an extra effort to help the people around you – whether they are your friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, classmates, or even members of your professional organization. The reason helping others out in their time of need will work to your advantage in the future is simply this: If you help others, they will be more willing to help you in the future.
How can you help others? It is not necessary to go out of your way for that. People can be helped in a variety of ways, simple ways which may not even appear to be a big deal to you. For instance, you can send them links to a website that you feel might help them in their work or in their daily life. Learn to convey the impression that you are interested in the lives and needs of others, so that you can prove to be more helpful to them. Once you can determine the problems of other people, you will be in a position to help them figuring out how to solve them. Networks can also be expanded by getting to know other people. This allows you to tap into their networks, so that you may take advantage of the contacts and relationships you may find there too.
