Discussion on:

The best way to network is to not think of it as networking

I look at networking more as building friendships. There are a lot of really great people out there and if they work in the same line of business then you immediately have something in common to talk about. I don't think I have ever done anything this formal, but I have gone to events were my main goal was to meet people.

Bill

All of the classes/seminars I have been in tell you that every year some high percentage of jobs are filled before they are ever advertised by someone with an inside track. How do you reconcile this with your vision of networking?

The truth is that most start networking when their job is gone or on it's way out. Networking is a lifestyle and one that should consist of adding value to those you meet - rather than taking first from the relationship.

The oft-quoted, "It's not what you know but who you know." is both cynical and dangerous. I teach a modified version, "It's who knows you and knows what you know." My mantra is: "Be Proactive! Be Positive! Add Value! Share Opportunity!"

Do that and you stand to be very effective in your networking.

30 years ago when I went for an interview for a programmer position, my resume was looked at, there was a brief discussion / interview then a decision was made. The vast majority of the time I was hired. After I was able to program in over a dozen different languages about 15 years ago, all listed on my resume, I could select the job and company. Today, there are too many people out of work and too many in this career field. Network today? With who? I seldom find anyone who has my background, technical skills and is my age. All I see is age discrimination as I go to interview after interview. The manger is typically 10 or more years younger than me. Nice article for the youngsters Toni, how about one for us veterans. It is - It's not what you know but who you know. Cynical? That's ok. I sincerely hope others who have been around as long as I have speak up.

that IT folks tend to be introverted, which is why they are comfortable working alone. Networking requires human contact which for an introvert tends to be "draining". That said, my suggestion is that the most important person with whom to network is the boss, assuming the boss will be a career enhancer and if not, find a different position.