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Networking is a powerful tool that can help you advance in your current position, or break into a new career. In order to gain these advantages you must craft the right message and get out to the right the people.

Networking is about advertising yourself. This means crafting a strong message and delivering it to places where it will be heard. Every interaction with fellow employees or friends offers a chance to spread your message.

Before you start sharing your message, make sure you are representing yourself in the best possible light. Take an inventory of your skills and abilities. Think of ways to present them to people when the chance arises. Don't let a pause of a mumbled "um..well..." cause you to fail that vital first impression.

Now that you know how to present your message, who do you present it to? Networking can begin at home. Let your friends and family know about your goals and enlist their help in spreading the word. Even if they don't know anyone who can help directly, one of their contacts may know someone or have experience that can help.

Network by demonstrating your skills. One of the best ways to meet people who might be able to help you is to volunteer in the type of work you are looking for. Sometimes you can even start with friends and family. If your skills can help them apply them here first. Then look for opportunities in your community or online.

Manage your online presence. If you have a blog or a personal homepage, use this venue to present yourself. Anyplace where you have an 'about me' page is a possible place of contact for a new networking contact. Equally important is making sure that your blog and other online representations don't hold anything that would detract from your employment potential.

When one of your contact delivers a lead, be sure to thank them and show interest. Even if you think it is a dead end, they are trying to help and that deserves recognition. Reward them with a smile and a kind word and they will keep working for you.

Networking your way to a better job can be easy. Keep your message positive, look for leads everywhere and reward those who help you.

Learn more about this author, David Hamilton.
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