Grow your network to hundreds of contacts in three easy steps

Posted By: Nimish Thakkar In: Networking
Networking is a powerful tool that can catapult even ordinary careers to extraordinary heights. From entry level employees to business owners to politicians, individuals at all levels have leveraged networking to achieve their professional aspirations.

Networking is a powerful tool that can catapult even ordinary careers to extraordinary heights. From entry level employees to business owners to politicians, individuals at all levels have leveraged networking to achieve their professional aspirations.

Despite its proven effectiveness, many fail to exploit "people power", mostly due to self-imposed, often myopic, misconceptions. I have come across myths ranging from "I am not a very people person" to "I don't know a lot of people".

In this article, I will show you how you can grow your network in three easy steps.

1. Snowball your network

Not too long ago, an insurance agent called me. He started the conversation as follows: "Hi Nimish, XYZ asked me to get in touch with you because she thought you would be interested in speaking with me." From his tone, I could tell -- as most of us can -- that he was a telemarketer and my first instinct was to run, but since he had mentioned my colleague's name, I allowed him to continue.

At the end of the conversation, he asked me if I knew someone who could benefit from a similar discussion (I would prefer to call it a monologue). Even though I wasn't interested in his services, I knew some people who were actively looking for insurance products. Serendipity? I don't know.

The agent had utilized what I prefer to call "the snowball technique". Many of us may never need to sell insurance but the principle of snowballing can be applied to our networking efforts as well.

If we make a conscious effort to ask everyone in our contact list to introduce us to a few of their contacts -- we must be prepared to reciprocate if necessary -- and if we were to ask each of those contacts to introduce us to a few more (and repeat the same process over and over), within a few months our network could easily grow to hundreds if not thousands of contacts. How you use them is entirely up to you.

2. Network with the well-networked

Connecting with the well-connected is a very powerful strategy. Industry leaders, authors, experts, speakers -- these individuals have a following of their own and connecting with just a few of these could enable you to tap into a pool of thousands of potential networking contacts.

3. Read and write

Of course, I know you can read and write. I am referring to professional literature. When you read professional literature or write for trade journals, academic publications, magazines, blogs, and other publishing avenues, you will get solid exposure to a large pool of readers. Writing is not just a PR exercise. Every reader is a potential networking contact.

If you are a voracious reader, consider writing short e-mails or letters appreciating the work of authors who caught your attention. If done consistently, these short exchanges could be precursors to some very interesting networking opportunities.

What do you think?

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Comments

Posted by: Adil Yaqoob Seeking challenging and responsible position, where my educational abilities can be fully and effectively utilized with opportunities of growth, enhancement of professional knowledge and permanent employment.

Posted by: edwin h. thanx again for the idea of publishing within my trade

Posted by: Cathy Tran I am have 20 years experience in social work and I recently lost my job from Social Service Agency in 2/2011. This is the first time that I had to learn networking in order to better my chance for job search. I appreciate any help I can get.

Posted by: James F How do I get started?

Posted by: Reginald J. Interesting article. I would like to know more about growing your network with the third step.

Posted by: Paul P Networking often is a "Catch 22" in that, yes, it does snowball but, like a rolling snowball, it picks up everything. I am still searching for the way to get even a clue as to the valid paths and those that are either time consuming or lead to spending more money on programs that are "monologues and canned responses". If anyone out there has found even a slight insight on this problem, please let me know.

Posted by: Heidi Weber Thank you for the advice. It is truly helpful. I have been laid off for for three months. I am looking for an office administration position in either administrative assistant, receptionist, data entry or customer sservice. I also try to expand my my search to different positions that my skills can be utilized. Any advice would be helpful.

Posted by: Daniel Gutner Thanks for the post, Nimish. I will definitely be applying some of those techniques now.

Posted by: Veronique Brunner I would very much like to join professionals in their networking but do not know where to start. In my most recent job (prior to my layoff two weeks ago)I held the position of 'Senior Editor' writing on the history of antique art and jewelry. I also compiled an 'Antique Jewelry Directory' the contents of which were and remain unique, as my references and sources of research included all that has been written on the subject in European countries, primarily France and Germany. I read the said reference books in their original versions and translated them personally to reflect in the encyclopedia I compiled. I would be grateful to join a network of professional writers and editors not only in the domain of art and history, but in all other fields.

Posted by: Solomon Great networking advice.... Can anyone comment on the idea of me doing a ten week certification course in computer repairs and networking? Is it worth the investment in the terms of getting a job or as a good career choice? Please give feedback......Currently unemployed..

Posted by: stephen o. This is a worthy information to tap into.

Posted by: Gaurav S. Great Information. Thanks for posting it. All 3 tips, if used together and in a professional way should open doors to a lot of opportunities.

Posted by: Michael O. Your advice on networking is great. Thank you.How can l get networking leads in Arizona, Georgia, Tennessee, and Texas in Human Resources

Posted by: Jeffrey H. good information. Thank you for your help

Posted by: Amanda Villone I am interested in this post: (posted by) Kathy Owens Hello,The idea of reading trade journals interests me. Please suggest how I can find out what publications are out there. I am interested in health information (especially the current trends and medical software being used). I too, have worked in the medical/healthcare industry, in the office doing the administrative and clerical roles - records, data entry, billing, etc. It is what I would most love to get into again now. but most healthcare companies want you to already be familiar with their software. How do I go about learning and gaining experience in this other software? Anyone know?

Posted by: Dianna Robertson Networking is essential and getting a mentor is just as important. Mentors find you. It's not the other way around. I went to a job fair a couple of days ago and Stedman Grahm, Oprah's man friend was the guest speaker. The comments about mentors are his words. I gave him my resume after he had finished speaking! I'm looking for coaching, EAP or Counseling Positions in or out of the health industry. I love socializing.

Posted by: Deborah Wolff I am in the process of changing my career direction from banking from a consumer collection representative to a fashion coordinator in the fashion industry. I would love to help other people as well as be able to socialize with someone who is in the fashion industry in order to give myself a direction.

Posted by: willie Bouyer I was a customer service manager for AT&T Mobility were my scope of responsibilities were multi-focused to technical and sales not just internal and external customer service. So, I have a lot to bring to the table. Due to downsizing at the end of October 2009 I am now out of work after giving my all for the last 14 years with the company. I am open to new ideas and truly like the idea of networking as I will have the opportunity to meet great new people with the possibility of getting leads that may land me with a new career opportunity.

Posted by: Burnett Birthwright I hope to make something out of it.

Posted by: Anthony Omar Hello,I think that tip #1 and #2 will help me in my career search. When I left the army, I had to attend a seminar which taught me how to transition into the civilian world. A portion of that seminar talked about networking and how to present yourself to an employer in a job interview. In this seminar tips #1 and #2 were emphasized. Thanks for the reminder

Posted by: Clifford I have many years of experience in IT, mainly IBM mainframe programming and analysis. I got laid off in '2004. Since then, I haven't been able to find another job of this range. I have applied and applied, but no offers. I have increased my network, but nothing seems to work. What else can I do?

Posted by: Florence Dinobi Very simple but effective tips. Thanks

Posted by: Tonda Hughes I have never used networking before; However, I am a fast learner and opened to new ideas.

Posted by: Jane Thanks for the tips. I agree networking is very important and saw some benefits. However, I also saw that some introductions led to no where.

Posted by: Miles Griffith I think that neworking and the ideas adhering to the article are conducive to revamping consumers who view networking as a usage for mitigation. Aformenitioned usages adhesive defensibly permissible would be viabilty, feasibilty, and adhesion.

Posted by: Rosa Guzman Thank you this will help me a lot to find a job. Thanks for the advice.

Posted by: Jesse Austin I need all the advice I can get and this is going to help me out greatly. I am always trying to keep my options open or have something/one to fall back on.

Posted by: Kathy Owens Thank you for the networking advice. I am interested in suggestions on how to go about networking. I'll keep trying to increase my contacts.

Posted by: Jim Hulton 80% of the jobs are found by networking. Keeping in touch with those who are in touch is a great way to stay connected in the business/searching for jobs world. Always be ready to ask others whom they know that could help you in your job search. People are most usually cooperative to provide help to those in need when asked properly.

Posted by: Nita Larabee Thanks for the suggestion. I am starting with this very email!

Posted by: Glynis Mcduffey Very interesting ideas, I am going to try #2 first and see how it goes. Thank you very much for the ideas. I needed some kind of direction on networking because I have been out of touch with the bussiness world for a while and need new contacts.

Posted by: Denise Jenkins I received your information and I have seen how networking does work. As long as the right connection is made with the right people!

Posted by: Debra Tanner Yes, networking is powerful. I use items 2 and 3, as well as attend weekly networking events in my State. Networking not only assists one with gaining employment, but it also attracts new business associates.Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the article.

Posted by: Ron Rowe Definitely helpful. Networking is a tremendous asset when performed properly. Hard work always pays off, but smarter hard work (arrived via networking) pays off in huge dividends.

Posted by: Kathy Owens Hello,The idea of reading trade journals interests me. Please suggest how I can find out what publications are out there. I am interested in health information (especially the current trends and medical software being used).

Posted by: Darell Tapp Any leads on "Networking" in Sales for Arizona?

Posted by: Ellen Your networking ideas were very concise and specific. I do not consider myself a very good networker and those are just the type of ideas I need. I am especially going to try #3, since I am a voracious reader. I am always more comfortable talking/writing to people when I have a specific topic to focus on. I feel very intimidated making general "small talk" to strangers.

Posted by: ann This was a great articleThanks Once Again

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Grow your network to hundreds of contacts in three easy steps

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