Keep Your Options Open

The job market is insane - job today- gone tomorrow. As a professional speaker/consultant in the area of networking, I have an increasing number of clients seeking my help to find jobs utilizing networking techniques. I often have to explain that the concept of networking is built on the premise of building relationships, not having a ninja relationship where you drop in anonymously, strike out and hope to hit something that works.

Networking isn't an accidental process; it is the deliberate creation of lifelong, mutually beneficial relationships. That being said it doesn’t mean in these challenging times that it isn’t ok and necessary to try to revitalize old or existing contacts as long as you sincerely mean to nurture and grow value based relationships.

So look in the cobwebbed corners of your mind and dust off some of those old relationships. When you reconnect, catch up for a few minutes before sharing your tale of woe about seeking new employment. Then be honest, maybe even apologize for having lost touch and let them know that you plan on rebuilding your friendship/relationship. Now is the time to state your circumstances and see if they would consider sharing any ideas that might help you in your job hunt.

If you ever want to be taken seriously, the most important part starts now. You follow up with a hand written, mailed (snail mail) note, thanking them for their time and confirming any follow-up you might have agreed upon. You now add them to your contact management system and build a plan to keep in touch. When the great day comes and you find that new shiny career path, make sure you thank any and all who assisted, advised, prayed, or just listened. Then keep nourishing, building, growing and sharing with others.