Some studies have shown that between 65 to 80% of all new jobs are found through networking. Tom made hundreds of contacts, which helped him get a job at the helm of a start-up. He then sent almost a thousand thank you notes, with a card announcing his new assignment. His networking had paid off, and he was grateful for all those who had taken the time to advise and provide referrals.

How connected are you? If you were to suddenly lose your job, what might be the ensuing scenario?

Networking is essentially about connecting with people who are relevant to your profession and career. It is not a single event, but an ongoing process. From a marketing standpoint, it is about selling yourself to others. That takes time. You cannot just wake up one day and out of the blue dial someone and expect that person to stand up for you. If someone did that to you, how would you feel? Used and thrown, like tissue. Not nice.
They say that the scientific formula for networking is as predictable as mathematics. What you reap is in direct proportion to what you have sown. So, if you have been neglecting this activity, it’s time to change.

Here are some pointers for successful networking.

1. Make networking a consistent, ongoing activity, a habit. Schedule regular time for it.
2. Make yourself more visible at your workplace. List out key people, and call them up occasionally. Take a short tea break with them. Offer them lunch. Do it consistently and with genuine interest. It will help you plug into the system, and source career important information.
3. Does your company or organization have a newsletter? Contribute articles, or offer to help in some way. You could even initiate a newsletter, if there’s none. People will notice, including senior management. The involvement will also increase your knowledge of your company.
4. Make presentations, whenever you get a chance. Prepare well for it.
5. Join a trade or professional organization. You’ll meet potential contacts.
6. Become an active contributor to a non-profit organization. Let people see that you’re not all about money. That you value community service. It will also bring you into contact with key people in society.
7. Spend time with winners, and learn from them. Avoid those who are locked in a negative mindset and drain your energy.
8. Teach, if you can. Ask human resources if they can use you to train someone else. Teach part time at a local college or technical school if there are openings.
9. Document your learnings and experiences. Publish articles and essays, and mail copies to influential people.
10. Get into the habit of recognizing and praising the positive in others, no matter how senior, or junior. It could be a talent, it could be a job well done, or a tiny act of courtesy. Whatever it is, never lose an opportunity to smile and say something sincere and nice to others.
11. Learn to blow your own trumpet. It’s hygienic. You took a workshop, or accomplished something; let the press carry a news release about it. And word will get around to people who matter.
12. Listen, listen, listen. Talk just a little. That’s why it’s called ‘small talk.’ The results can be big.
13. Get into the habit of calling people by name. This will help you be respectful and personal. Something that others will appreciate. A good practice is to use the person’s name twice in the first ten seconds after you heard it. Get the spelling right.
14. Be the first to introduce yourself, to extend your hand, to look at people, to smile at them, to greet them. The initiative is yours, and so are the rewards.
15. Smile and maintain eye contact while firmly shaking hands.
16. Use ice breakers to get comfortable with new people. An icebreaker is a ‘neutral’ opening line, usually a comment or a question, such as: “What do you think of the weather?” Asking, “How was your day?” is not an ice breaker. First get on a comfort level, before you wade into deeper waters.
17. Remember: Networking is about nurturing relationships and developing friendships. It takes time, effort and small gestures. Send a token gift. Cut out or photocopy and send an article you know will be of interest to them. Wish them on their birthday. There’s lots you can do. Use your imagination.
18. Never prejudge people. Sometimes the unlikeliest person may give you the break you were looking for.
19. Make others feel important. Ask open-ended questions about their interests, careers and concerns. Don’t keep talking about yourself. Be other-oriented.
20. Do not waste other people’s time, nor your own. Ask, “Is this a good time to talk?”
21. Help others get what they want. Networking is a two-way street. You give, you receive.
22. Follow up. If you’ve said you’ll do something, do it. Keep in touch. Don’t expect others to do it.
23. Use technology to help you create and maintain your contacts database.

Much of my own work has come from friends and contacts made and maintained with care.

Happy networking and a bright future!