The first step in Networking starts by establishing a single point of common ground with a contact. This will require you to be curious and ask questions. You will have to listen closely and identify where you have agreements. You may find answers to things but you need to provide value and learn what your contact values. A network must survive to be of real value.

Finding new contacts expands your circles of acquaintances and as you try to be a help to others your awareness of changes in your areas of influence and trends increases.

Connections are made between individuals, of course, but also for and on behalf of companies and organizations. Often, groups serve as idea centers, with all parties interacting for the mutual benefit of the entire group.

Our comfort level often favors networks of connections with people we know and like who have similar backgrounds and points of view, but this type of closed network limits our exposure and limits opportunities to find new connections and ideas. Seek new groups where most of those in the group are people you do not know at first. A person does not have to be a friend to be a professional contact.

Ask those already in your network for names of contacts for specific needs. Who in your own network knows somebody at a company you want to learn more about?  When you need a name for an “informational interview,” the best contacts are often found by asking those already in your network for suggestions. Telling a contact that a mutual relation suggested you make the contact is a powerful point of common ground.

Whether you are just applying for a job, just seeking information, or making contact with the HR department or a department head, it is always better to be introduced to the company, even if it is just you telling them that so and so suggested you make contact.

Finally, while considering networking strategies, heed Eleanor Roosevelt’s words: 

“Never allow a person to tell you no if they do not have the power to say yes.”

I like this quote because it shows a meaningful way to think about networking and illustrates an important principle. If you are asking people to hire you or to help you in your job search and they are not in a position to actually do so, you’ve probably done a poor job of networking.