Networking is a word frequently used by many job seekers, but a practice they rarely employ. Pick up any career or job search book and it will tell you: network, network, network. What is networking? Different from schmoozing or selling, which is one-sided, networking is a two-way interaction, a give and take. It is both taking action and being active.

With networking comes mutual:
• Sharing of ideas and resources
• Connections and relationship building
• Helping others.

Job seekers sometimes are timid and fearful of new relationships and connections. And oftentimes they do the least effective thing to connect with others, such as relying on e-mail, looking only at job boards, or passively sending out letters.

Networking can create positive benefits for the job seeker or career changer. Through effective networking, you can:
• Get career information and learn about career trends
• Discover the hiring trends of Bay Area employers
• Find out what it is like to work for a specific company
• Get valuable job leads and career advice
• Generate new ideas and directions in your job search
• Receive support which generates energy.

Although it is important to take all the necessary steps in your job search, the importance of personal contact cannot be emphasized enough.

Making contact with new people is an ongoing life process. Networking expert, Susan Roane, emphasizes that this skill must be practiced and used throughout life, not just when looking for work. In other words, good networking skills are your insurance plan for the future. She also suggests reading as a way of staying current and becoming an interesting person. We gravitate towards those who have something to say.

With whom can you network?
First and foremost, we do not realize it, but we probably know people in our circle who can help us. Our roles as parents, homeowners, hobbyists, churchgoers, social and civic groups, volunteer activities provide us with contacts who can assist us. A former client of mine got a job through her dentist. Yes, that's right. As he was filling her mouth, she was literally making small talk that paid off.

Another maxim of good networking: People will lead you to other people. Get in the habit of asking: " Can you refer me to anyone else?"

A simple cup of coffee with a well-intentioned individual is the most powerful job search tool that you can acquire.

It is important to thank the people with whom you network with for their time and effort. And of course, your turn will come when you are asked to return the favor.

I am constantly amazed how many times I have done a good favor for someone and was not thanked. Thanking someone for his or her time is basic, not extraordinary.

Also, it is key to keep in touch, and not just when you need something (that is not networking, but being a taker). Learn to tell as many people as you can about your goals. How can anyone help you if they don't know what you are trying to accomplish? People are your greatest resource.

Create a networking card. JIST Works has samples of networking cards for those in-between assignments or jobs. Don't let your temporary setback define who you are and what you want to be. Networking is a life skill and should practiced and honed daily.

Several years ago I worked with an Engineer who was recently laid off after 20 years of tenure with his company. He was in shock. "How could they lay me off? I am an exemplary worker," he thought. But what he later discovered was that having a good skill set is not the only thing that you need in order to preserve your job, you need to constantly connect and re-connect with others.

Every day should be a small step in accomplishing your networking plan. Remember: those small steps will equal larger steps, and enough steps taken, you will have climbed Mt. Everest.

Before you climb Mt. Everest, do an inventory of who is in your current network, both personally and professionally.
Personal contacts might include:
• Friends • Family
• Friends of family • Church
• Neighbors • Service providers to you (Dentists, CPA, Barber, etc.)

Professional Contacts:
• Co-workers (past and present) • Bosses
• Clients (past and present) • Alumni
• Professional Colleagues • Competitors
• Professors

Even if you are currently working, make a point to:
• Meet people outside of your current department
• Get involved in company-wide projects (employee recognition, volunteer drives, and social events)
• Join and be active in your professional association (Why not help to sponsor an activity?)
• Keep in contact with all your friends, colleagues, past co-workers and bosses.
• I have lots of success stories in this area. Re-establishing contact, it is a powerful tool.
• Be active in activities outside of your work (coaching, volunteerism, theater)
• Attend professional conferences, career recruitment events.

For those who are currently unemployed:
• Construct a networking card (list on the card your career objective and your core of expertise)
• Understand that your personal and professional lives will lead you to contacts
• Draft a list of people you feel you should contact
• Read books about networking (The Networking Survival Guide-Diane Darling and The Secrets of Savvy Networking-Susan RoAne)
• Attend job fairs and recruitment events.

With all the emphasis of high tech tools: Cool looking devices (hand-held Palm Pilots, Daily organizers that make us feel like we are more connected, we forget that the real connections are the human ones. The face-to-face meeting. The phone call. The constant and continual follow up with others.

So let's get started with your networking today: "John, we haven't talked in a while can we go out for coffee. My treat."

(c) 2004 Ron Visconti. Ron Visconti is the Director of Community Relations for Jobs & Careers. He previously founded and directed the nonprofit organization, Career Education Center, for 18 years. He currently hosts a radio show, JobTalk, on KNEW 910 AM on Sundays from 1pm to 2pm.