If you're actively involved in The Daily Machete's First Annual Networking Contest, you're probably curious about how to network your way to our end person, Gil Stern of Rochester, NY in five or more steps.

The answer is simple: reverse engineer your networking efforts.

While the answer is simple, the execution is a little more challenging, involving three basic steps:

Your ultimate contact (UC). Know who you ultimately want to network your way to. In the case of this year's Networking Challenge, it's Gil Stern of Rochester, NY. In most cases, however, it will be a much-desired professional who may be able to give you a your dream job or at least help you get a job.

Who your UC knows. Your UC knows people. In fact, studies have shown that adults know at least 300 people. A little research will help you determine who your UC knows. Google your UC and you're bound to dig up a few contacts in your UC's circle. Another way - a better way - is to look your UC up on LinkedIn.com.

(EDITOR'S NOTE: If you haven't yet signed up with LinkedIn.com, you should. But if you haven't yet - or are a little confused about how to use the site, you should definitely check out I'm On Linked In - Now What??? by Jason Alba - of JibberJobber.com fame - when his book is officially released later this month. But why wait? You can buy it now!  Be sure to read today's supplemental post for a review of his book.)

Who you know. Once you've Googled your UC and used LinkedIn and unearthed a few in your UC's network, you should see who in your network knows someone in your UC's network. On LinkedIn, it's pretty easy - the site will likely tell you how many levels away from your UC and your UC's contacts you are. Then, it's all about making contact.

Shift to forward. Now that you know who's between you and your UC, you can begin working the network forward. Contact one of your people who knows one of your UC's people. Then ask to your contact to introduce you. Once introduced, develop a relationship with that new person. Provide him/her with a few relevant contacts and ask to be introduced to your UC. Also be sure to ask for other contacts. These additional contacts may A) also know your UC, in which case you'll be able to get referred/introduced more than once to your UC (thus increasing your credibility); and B ) may provide you with other contact information, thus uncovering another UC or two you didn't know about previously.

IN THE CARAVAN: To reverse engineer your network, identify your UC, uncover your UC's contacts and who in your existing network knows them, then work the networking forward by asking for introductions and referrals.

NEXT TUESDAY: Reverse Engineering II: How to Be Introduced

Check out last Tuesday's post announcing the start of the networking challenge, the end person revealed, and the rules.

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

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