Networking. Does the very thought of getting out there, shaking hands, and schmoozing give you butterflies? You are not alone. But networking, either informally or at an organized event, is something that everyone should actively do--no matter how old they are or where they're at in their career.
"You always love a job until you don't--or until it no longer loves you--so continuing to build and strengthen your network even when you're employed will help you maximize your options if and when it's time to move on," says career expert Liz Lynch.
As founder of The Center for Networking Excellence and the author of "Smart Networking," Lynch knows a strong network can help you get industry information quickly and find opportunities to grow your business. But a recent Yahoo! HotJobs poll found that networking or an in-person referral is the most effective way to find a job today, too: over 20 percent of surveyed workers and job seekers say they've stepped up in-person networking activities in the past year.
Too often, poor preparation or lack of follow-up make networking ineffective. Fortunately, there are some simple things to do before, during, and after networking to ensure that you make a lasting impression.
Source: Yahoo HotJobs
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