Networking is an essential skill for managing your career so make sure you have a plan. Do not think that it is just asking for a job, rather it is building lifelong relationships. When you network, your objective is to learn about the other individual and to seek their advice. “So many people treat their job transition and networking as a means to the end. When you are networking, you should build relationships and it should be a lifelong endeavor.” – Mike Sipple, Jr., CEO of Centennial
As Harvey MacKay says in his book Dig Your Well Before You’re Thirsty*, his sixteen cornerstones for a solid network include:
- Real estate broker
- Good source for hard-to-get tickets
- Travel agent
- Community leader
- Headhunter
- Banker
- Elected local official
- High-ranking cop
- Firefighter
- Celebrity
- Veterinarian
- Insurance expert
- Lawyer
- Auto mechanic
- Media contact
- Your best friend
We added:
- Your neighbors
- Your LinkedIn contacts
- Club members
- Alumni contacts
- Teachers
- Coaches
- Physicians
Who would you add?
More About Networking:
New networking resources and books are published regularly. Here are a few of our favorite resources:
Dig Your Well Before You’re Thirsty: The Only Networking Book You’ll Ever Need – by Harvey Mackay
Power Networking – 59 Secrets for Personal and Professional Success – by Donna Fisher
*As an Amazon Associate, Centennial earns commission from qualifying purchases.