Networking : Not a Dirty Word

I'm using a different font face because the previous one is too difficult to read

Ok, this is going to be a far cry from my previous posts where I mainly yak about the goings-on in life. This is important for you and me as we navigate the jungle of Working Life.

(I've been meaning to blog about working-world stuff for a while now, but other topics were more interesting :p)

Today's topic is...
NETWORKING.

When I was studying, I used to think "Networking" was a nasty word, kinda like "mullet" or "monobrow" or something only used by hoity-toity executive types who wanted a snooty synonym for "making friends."

Well, I now know what it means and why it's important. Here are some pointers from MSN.

Know your purpose for networking
Job seekers waste their contacts' time when they don't really know what they want to do, where they want to work or how the contact might be helpful to them.

Do your homework
Don't ask your contacts questions that could easily be answered by doing a little basic research.

Don't act desperate
Your contacts will be much more willing to help someone who is confident and capable than someone groveling, whining and desperate. Don't forget that as high a priority as it is to you, your job search is not as high a priority to most of your network.

Listen
When someone is kind enough to offer you job advice, listen attentively. Write your contact a thank-you note and include something that tells your contact you listened.

Respect your contact's time
Don't drop into a contact's office uninvited, and when you call a current or prospective member of your network, always ask if he has time to talk.

Ask for help in small doses
Don't burden your contact with overwhelming requests for help and advice. Ask more questions than favors.

Get permission...
...before using a network contact's name to approach another prospective contact.

Be careful with your use of the word networking
Some people have grown weary of being networked. Unless you are attending a function specifically earmarked for networking, it's best not to advertise the fact that that is what you are doing.

Don't be pushy and aggressive.

Remember that networking is a two-way street
The idea of reciprocity is perhaps the most important aspect of networking. Offer your help to your contacts and supply needed information whenever possible.

This writeup was taken from MSN in the USA. MSN Careers - 10 Ways to Network Properly. Don't sue me.