Networking is a key part of job search

Networking a key part of job search You've lost your job and dealt with the stress, humiliation, grief and anger.

Now, you're ready to hunker down and start networking your way to a new career and a new chapter in your life.

Here's what to do, according to David Jones, president of the David Jones Group consulting firm in Tennessee, and Mark Deutsch, executive director of Business Network International, Central Virginia Region, in Richmond:

• Give before you get. "Networking is about building trust and relationships, and seeing how you can help others, who will then want to work hard to help you," Deutsch said. "Focus on how you can make introductions or connections for those you meet before expecting the same in return. Give referrals or make introductions as often as possible."

• Make a list of people. "Think of it as your sphere of influence," said Jones. "Most people have at least 20-30 people" on their list, he said.

Include the names of family, friends, former co-workers, fellow worshipers, your hairdresser or barber, even people from your soccer team or golf club.

The goal is to make them aware that you're out of work and you need their help landing another job.

Each of these people know other people who might have a job opportunity.

• Get your business cards ready. On them, put your name, address and other contact information, but not your photo, which can invite discrimination. "It's a way for people quickly to screen you out -- and maybe inappropriately," Jones said.

Give your business card to anybody you can give it out to, he said.

"You are now president of marketing and branding of your own company" you. "That's what your new job is."

You don't have to spend a mint on business cards. Get them at an office superstore. At FedEx Office on Midlothian Turnpike in Chesterfield County, for example, it costs $18.95 for 100 basic black ink cards, or $28.95 for 100 color cards.

Cards can be designed on the FedEx Web site and others.

• At networking events don't smooze, work. Set a goal for how many people you'd like to meet, Deutsch urged. Spend less than 10 minutes with each one. Make an appointment for later if you want a longer conversation. Say hello to those you know, but don't dally. "It's not net-sit, net-eat or net-drink it's network," he said.

• Take notes. Bring a pen and write notes on the back of business cards that people hand to you so you will remember them. Jot down the date, the event and other details.

• Follow up with everyone. "Here's where people fail in networking," Jones said. "Most people don't follow up, and that severely hurts them.

If they don't, people may assume that they have found a job.

Ideally, make it a goal to give out 10 cards a week and follow up with everyone on your list at least every two weeks, Jones said.

It doesn't have to be a lengthy conversation -- just an e-mail or a two-minute phone call to say you're still looking.

What if you're shy or introverted? "Well, you better get over that quickly," he said. "Every time you network, you enhance your chances of finding that job.