by Jim Sutton

Created on: February 05, 2009

"Networking is an essential part of building wealth." ~ Armstrong Williams Networking is one way to dig for the gold. It is not what you know but who you know that is the foundation of success. Many higher level jobs come through leads from people you know. Where to network? If you are looking for a job and are willing to move, sites like Linkedin.com are good. If you don't want to relocate, think more face-to-face. I choose Linkedin.com because I want to change jobs and relocate so the broad scope fits my need well. Linkedin.com will work well if you are a professional of any stripe, but some, like consultants and writers may fit a little better with the benefits of Linkedin.

Even if you are stationary networking can add great value. If you are a senior individual in a local company networking can bring new suppliers, new clients, new methods, new talent wanting to move into your area and maybe your company and the list goes on and on.

What about the internal accountant who has a job and does not want to move? This person may network as a plan B in case there are rightsizings, mergers, staff optimizing or some other occurrence that was not expected.

I choose Linkedin.com which could be described as a professional version of Facebook.com. The first rule on Linkedin.com is to connect with people you know. The first thing you should do is ignore that rule. Networking is about meeting people you don't know. I followed Linkedin's advice for 2 years. I did not know much about networking or LinkedIn and invited vendors and coworkers who knew less than I and were less computer literate: the blind leading the blind. They were logged into Linkedin infrequently making online networking not work. I had a group of about 100 that had very little value to me or to them.

One day I discovered an open network group called "Invites Welcome." The group description says that group members are looking to add connection and expand their networks. I started inviting members of this group. My Linkedin experience brightened because now I added people to my network who were frequently on Linkedin, actively networked and could help me. I learned a lot reviewing their profiles that I adopted in my profile, and they helped me and shared information. Inviting open networkers and then becoming one was my breakthrough in Linkedin.

You can prospect or network on linkedin just like you can face-to-face. Prospecting is finding a person who could buy your product, service or give you a job lead

• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next Page >>