How many of you have a network?◦ All of you!

How big is it?◦ That depends.

What is a network?◦ Any system of interrelated buildings, offices, computers, or

PEOPLE.

Do you really need your own network (of people)?◦ Absolutely!!!

You all have people that you know and associate with.

The size of your network depends on how many people you

know.

A network helps people or things that are not close to each

other to work together more efficiently.

Because your network is the people you know, having a good

one means that you can get yours or somebody else’s needs

met quicker.

If you have an effective network, you will be ableto get things done that you might not otherwise beable to do.

1. Enable you to meet people.

2. This means that you can help others.

3. They can then help you.

People can't recommend someone or something

to you, or you to someone else if they've never

met you. So you have to meet people, and you

have to get to know those that you meet.

You will find that many times, the 5 most welcome words

for someone to hear is "How Can I Help You?" Asked

sincerely, these words will open doors that nothing else

will. Try asking that question to a friend sometime and see

what their reaction is. Though they may be surprised at

first, they may also come up with something! Help them,

and they'll be a little more willing to help you later.

Most people naturally want to be helpful. If theyhadn't thought of it consciously, your request forhelp will prompt them. If they had thought of it,your request will hopefully inform them on whatyou need help with.

You've probably heard that a business gets most of

its new customers through word-of-mouth

advertising (personal referrals).

Not: billboard ads radio ads newspaper ads or TV ads

In finding a job, somewhere between 60-90% of

jobs are filled using networking and referrals (i.e.

word-of-mouth advertising).

Imagine an executive that has 100 resumes on his desk for a new manager.

90 resumes were submitted online, 10 were submitted online, as well as

someone bringing in a copy to his secretary. Those 10 people also each knew

a person in the company, who all spoke to this manager about what a great

addition to the company this friend of theirs would be.

Given this scenario, which resumes do you think the manager might look at

first, the 90, or the 10?

Do you think he might even find the person he wants in the 10, and not even

look at the 90? It is possible!!

1. Specifically identify your network. Write down the nameof everybody that you know, where they work, what otherinterests/abilities they have, and how you can help them, and howthey can help you. You can keep track of this list on thecomputer or on index cards.

2. Read about networking. This includes books such as“Use Your Head to Get Your Foot in the Door” by HarveyMackay, and “Successful Networking” by Frances Kay.You can also search online for 'networking', 'businessnetworking', 'how to network', etc.

3. Practice your networking. You can do this atToastmasters, on LinkedIn, or at a “Job NetworkingClub”.

Remember: Network = Networth