What's the best way to use your network to help in your job search?

First, let's talk about the basics. Networking is all about reciprocal relationships. It's not about collecting business cards or ignoring people that can't be of immediate assistance to you. In any networking relationship, seek first to contribute. Find a way to meet people that you share interests with and genuinely like to be with. Take the time to get to know them and ask them about their lives and goals. Do your best to encourage them and help them reach their goals. Be sincere, nobody wants to be manipulated. Respond to others' questions in a thoughtful way and develop reciprocal relationships. Develop a network based on mutual interest and respect, not solely on the desire to gain from your relationships. Be a friend to the people you meet. If you show a genuine interest in others and do your best to help them achieve their goals, most people will respond in kind.

Where can you find people that are in the best position to help you achieve your goals? Figure out what kind of people you want to meet and where they hang out. For example, if you are interested in advancing your career as a home office professional in the insurance industry, you would be well served by joining a professional organization such as the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters Society or the National Association of Insurance Women (International) (which is open to men as well as women). If you are an insurance agent and want to build a locally based business, the local Chamber of Commerce might be a better choice for you. Some of these organizations will have experience and education requirements that you must meet to qualify for membership, but meeting these requirements will only increase your qualifications and your credibility. Remember, the more you give the more you get. Volunteer to help out in whatever way you can and serve as an officer if you are given that opportunity. Active contribution and participation will allow you to gain leadership skills while you build your network. It's not the membership card that's important. It's what you do with your membership that counts.

Along the same lines, the key to getting hired or landing that contract is to offer an excellent value to your prospective client or potential employer. Consider these two questions: What pressing problem can you solve and what unique strengths allow you to solve it better than anybody else? Then take the time to demonstrate your value. What might this look like in the real world? Let's say you are seeking a training position for Company ABC. In addition to cultivating relationships with decision makers at ABC, you develop an outline for a training program that solves one or more of ABC's most pressing problems and present your idea to your contact(s). If you've correctly identified the concerns of ABC and developed a quality program addressing their needs, you stand an excellent chance of getting hired!