The Lion’s Pride: Networking - Networking Online

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The Lion’s Pride: Networking

Networking Online

You've probably talked to everybody you know about your job search. Hopefully, you've talked to your people's people - or at least a lot of them. And, if you've been following the advice on WildJobSafari.com, you've also visited a few organizations such as Kiwanis, Rotary and Toastmasters.

Good. You should be scoring more interviews as a result.

Now it's time to do a little networking online. But where to start?

A recent Google search on the term "online networking" netted 379,000 listings. Obviously, there are a boat load of sites where you can network online.

Some sites are more famous than others, though, which means they have more people enrolled with them. Ergo, they have a higher number to network with. Check out LinkedIn.com, Classmates.com, Ryze.com, Spoke.com, Entremate.com and, of course, Friendster.com.

Every networking site is a little different. Some are focused regionally, while others are industry-specific. Still others are wide, WIDE open, which means, as Forrest Gump would say, "you never know what you're gonna get."

A number of sites are by invitation only, which means somebody who's already a member has to bring you into the fold.

Whether you're invited or not, however, keep in mind networking is networking. Most of the rules apply online as they do in the "real" world.

Have a Purpose. Just as in the offline world, having a purpose - a clear, concise purpose - saves everyone time. Do you want to work for a specific company like PAETEC, or is your search only narrowed to the telecom industry? Having a purpose helps others help you.

Get an Introduction. If you've ever made cold calls, you know first hand how hard it is to make a sale that way. Sure, it's done all the time, but your success percentage increases when it's "warmed." That is to say, when somebody introduces you to your new contact.

Network Your Way In. On many of the sites listed above, you can see a graphical representation of your network, as well as others'. Don't just lob an email to someone four degrees off from you because A) It may be treated as spam, and B) You'll miss out on making more contacts. Word to the wise: work your way through and make more contacts. Be patient.

Multi-Pronged Approach. Online chat, email and IMing only go just so far when developing relationships (which is what networking is all about). Once the trust level is built, phone calls or face time will enhance your rapport. And don't neglect your real world contacts, either. Keeping off - and on - line networks healthy increase your job hunt chances of success.

Tit-For-Tat. Always remember that networking - REAL networking - is all about exchange: you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours. Be sure to have something (by way of info or contacts) to offer in return. Otherwise, your network may well dry up.

IN THE CARAVAN: When networking online through various networking sites, have a purpose, get an introduction, network your way in, use a multi-pronged approach and have something to offer in return.

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Networking

Business Card Pack Rats / Gump-Style Networking / Becoming the Hub Increases Your Brand / Becoming the Hub II: Building Self-Feeding Buzz / Myths and Truisms / Grow Your Network - Go Where The Employers Are! / It's Not What You Know... / Always Be Prepared...Even If You're Not a Boy Scout / How to Make Six Degrees of Separation Work (Even If You're Not Kevin Bacon) / Marketing and Branding Yourself, Part I / Branding II: Your Website or Blog / Finding the Right Contact Person / Give a Little to Get a Little / Why Join Organizations? / First Contact With Mr. Smith, Part 1 / First Contact With Mr. Smith, Part 2: The Winning of The Sally / First Contact With Mr. Smith, Part 3: First Impressions / Asking Mr. Smith for Help, Part 1 / Asking Mr. Smith for Help, Part II: It's Not the Song, It's the Singer / Asking Mr. Smith for Help, Part III: Getting down to business / Networking at Job Fairs / Doing It On the Road / Networking Online / Getting Info From Sally & Co., Part I / Getting Info From Sally & Co., Part II: Asking The Right Questions / Networking Out of Town Part I: Laying the Foundation / Networking Out of Town Part II: Touring for Interviews / Working the Network by Feeding the Network / 'Running' Into Contacts / You Only Get What You Ask For / Press the Flesh II: Small Talk / Press the Flesh Like a Pro / Playing the Percentages / Fishing and the Right Bait / Shrek Style / Get Your Butterflies Flying In Formation / Discover Other People’s Passions / Double Dipping Doing Good / Overbooking Your Way to a New Job / Shaking the Branches of Your Family Tree / Working Your Reunion / Parents of Your Kids' Friends