By now you know networking is important to your work search and career.  You've probably heard or read the statistics about how 80% to 90% of all jobs are obtained through word of mouth. 

LinkedIn.com. Networking and reconnecting with people you've worked with or attended school with is much easier since the advent of the Internet. LinkedIn.com provides you the opportunity of building your network exponentially; you can contact everyone in the your first level and second, then, when you contact someone in the second level, you know have access to their network. That's the short, simple explanation. If you're a professional who is looking to network, you really should be using LinkedIn.com.

Blog.  Blogging is a tremendous way to network.  Since starting this blog a couple years ago, I've been able to meet many influential people online.  One in particular is Jason Alba over at JibberJobber.com.  There are two reasons I mention Jason: 1) he's developed an awesome FREE way to track your networking contacts (and job search) that all job seekers really should take advantage of; and 2) today, May 15th, marks JibberJobber's first anniversary - which is an important milestone for anyone doing business - and blogging - on the Net.  If I didn't - and he didn't - blog, we wouldn't have made contact.

Civic clubs. I am a strong proponent of using civic clubs to network. When you go fishing, after all, you need to go to where the fish actually are. Businesspeople, like fish, tend to school together. But the ponds and lakes they swim in are Kiwanis, Rotary and Toastmasters Clubs. To visit...

Place of worship. Practicing your faith can help you dig up networking leads. No matter what faith or religion, members congregate after the services. While this post-service time is usually social, it is often used for networking purposes, as well. A college friend obtained two high-ranking, high-paying jobs from members of her church, in fact. Additionally, businesspeople will hold court on the outside steps of their places of worship to discuss business and make deals. Your religion can feed your soul while helping you dig up networking leads!

IN THE CARAVAN: Jump start your networking by using LinkedIn.com, blogging, attending civic clubs and making use of the social time at your place of worship.

NEXT TUESDAY: Polarizing

Check out last Tuesday's podcast on what Garth Brooks can teach you about networking.

Want more Networking advice? Check out these posts and The Lion's Pride section of WildJobSafari.com!

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