Job Search Networking . . . How good are you?

If there are two words that are at the core of success in business, romance or any other human pursuit, they are “personal referral!” Think about it. At least 75% of executive jobs are found through personal referral! This is so important that it bears repeating. Three out of four executive positions are never advertised . . . they are filled (often quietly) through personal referrals.

Your chances of getting a friendly audience with a prospective employer, angel investors or for venture capital investment are far greater if you are introduced by someone from your Referral Network – someone they know and whose judgment they respect. Your job search networking is essential to getting these referrals.

Rebuilding A Neglected Referral Network is Harder Than Maintaining a Healthy One

As you take stock of your referral skills, you’ll also want to carefully examine the way you’ve been tending to your job search networking efforts.

If you’re like most people, your “network” probably consists of your family, a few friends and the family dog . . . maybe two dozen people that you are in touch with regularly. One of the most common failings among executives who find themselves in transition is a withered professional network. Unfortunately the tendency for people who are task-oriented and love their work is to bury themselves in it and let go of the connections they’ve made.

If You Only Call When You Want Something,
You’ll Probably Get What You Deserve!

How much better would he have felt about the recommendation – and how much more enthusiastic he could be and how much more credible would his reference be – had she stayed in touch over the years?

Yes, we're all busy, leading complicated lives. But now, with the ready availability of social networking sites like LinkedIn and others, the old excuses for losing track of friends and associates simply sound hollow.

And, while using the computer to stay in touch is not a replacement for phone calls and in-person contact, you have more tools than ever to keep up good relationships. If you've let your job search networking lapse (and who hasn't?), now is a good time to revitalize it. Rebuilding a neglected referral network will take time and effort, but it is essential.

Treat Your Job Search Networking With Respect, and Recognize the Value of Your Networking Skills.

It’s also easier thanks to the computer. (Check out all our recommendations regarding computers and other networking tools on the Networking Tools You Need page linked below.)

You have the opportunity to keep in meaningful touch on a regular basis using e-mail, websites and social networking sites. Whether you are looking to start a new business, a new career or a new life, the very best place to start is with your referral network . . . and building your job search networking skills.

The Job Search Marketing Machine will take you step-by-step through the process of building a powerful referral network.

For more on job search networking and on building your referral network...

The Golden Rule of Networking

Expanding Your Professional Network

Using Trade and Professional Organizations to Expand Your Network

The Power of a Personal Introduction

The "Temporary Volunteer" Action Plan for Job Search Networking

Your 30-Second Commercial

The Networking Tools You Need

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