Making the Best Out of Your Networking

In the past nine months I have learned a lot about networking. I almost consider myself a professional at this stage. First and foremost there are a lot of gracious people out there that are willing to help. Taking the time out of their busy day to network with someone they don’t even know and may never meet again is commendable. People’s willingness to help is rooted in the fact that they have either been or know someone out of work.
People differ on ways to get networking appointments; I prefer “warm” calls based upon a reference from a friend or networking contact. Emailing is the mode of contact that works best for me. But after you get the appointment how do you get the most out of the meeting? These are a few simple rules that work for me:
Begin and end every meeting with a “thank you”
Ask questions about them personally and professionally
Listen, Listen, Listen
Ask for 3 additional networking contacts
Ask how you “can help them”
Always send a thank you note to the contact and whomever referred that person to you.
Keep great records of who you contacted, when, and who referred you.

Following these simple rules won’t guarantee a job but it can help you build your network and increase your chances of finding that next great opportunity.