What are some basic guidelines for effective networking?
1. Be clear in your own mind what kind of information, job leads and contacts you want. 2. Speak with relevant individuals and tell them what information you need. 3. Clearly ask for their help and tactfully inquire about their comfort level regarding frequency of contact as well as when, where and how to contact them. 4. Ask permission to use the name of a contact before doing so. 5. When contacting persons to whom you have been referred by a networking contact, be clear how you got their names and that you only want information about job leads. People tend to shut down and back off if they perceive that you are asking for something that they cannot do for you (e.g. a job on a silver platter). Few people have that kind of clout! 6. Thank them for their time and ask for a referral to others who could help you. 7. Offer reciprocity! Express your gratitude enthusiastically and sincerely and offer to do likewise for that person or others that he/she may want to refer to you for networking
