Building your Network

As some of us begin our careers and as some of us currently establish our careers, there is nothing more important than...

Building your Network

Building your network can be the difference in finding a job, moving up the corporate ladder, and/or rebuilding your career.

So the question is.. How do you build your network?

Truthfully you are always building your network. Whether at the gym, school, job, neighborhood library, or even at a restaurant. Any opportunity you have to converse and potentially build a relationship is an opportunity to build your network.

Your network is as big as you want it to be, but with anything it requires work.

• You first must establish a relationship (as stated earlier)
• This is when business cards come in handy (Basic info to be able to reach you later
  
• You must continue contact with your network
• This is where some have trouble when building their network because they are able to make friends and meet new people, but forget to occasionally reach out and maintain the connection
• This can be done through email, social networks, phone calls or text message.
• The easiest way is through Facebook and Linkedin
  

How to Stay in Contact with your Network 

The last bullet points brought on a great side note and that is how do stay in contact with your network.

Much of this will be determined by your relationship... is it Formal or InFormal

Formal

Suggestion: Use Linkedin or Email to stay in touch

Also, keep it as professional as possible

i.e. Former Professor, Former Bosses, ex co-workers, Former Coaches, Any potential employer

**Keep in mind, once a relationship crosses over to informal, it is hard to have it return to formal

Informal

Many choose to do so through Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, Calls, and text messages

Depending how active and vocal you are, you do not want to give off the wrong impression to someone who may be bordering Formal/InFormal

i.e. High School Friends, College Friends, Ex co-workers, Acquintances, Neighbors

Reasoning for the Boring Breakdown

The current job market is horrible. You must fight to be one of the lucky canditates to be interviewed and possibly selected for the job.

Your network is your best resource to get a job. 

 Use your network to your advantage as they will open doors you never thought could be possible.

The breakdown was also to show how important it is to maintain those relationships so that your character and integrity is always in tact whether formal/informal

With that being said...

Once you get your foot in the door.. You must let the employers know that ..

You got what they need.. and that they gotta have it

(Thank you Jay-z and Kanye for these Lyric)  Check out the Song: Click Here

P.S. Check your local area for Networking Events which can help expand your network

**Great Networking Event in Orlando: http://www.redcarpetmonday.com/

Hope you enjoyed the blog!

Always love hearing from readers. Feel free to leave a comment or send me an email.


Signing off-