Networking to find a good employer is critical in today’s environment. Everyone needs to secure satisfying employment, not just a job. While a person’s financial situation may necessitate obtaining just a job, the duration in that state of employment needs to be minimal.

Finding good opportunities with good employers takes that extra effort. People already in that situation or who know how to do it are the ones you need to find and keep in your network.

So who are these people and where do I find them?

There are common traits that good networkers possess:

• They are competent and confident in their skills (concepts taken from How to Grow a Backbone; Susan Marshall, 2000).
• They often have a higher risk-taking ability that the average person (Marshall, 2000).
• These people have been in your situation and have succeeded (frequently with the help of others).
• They have a sense of community and a genuine concern for others.
• They are willing to help and be helped.
• They possess a quality network themselves.

How many of these characteristics do you see in yourself?

How to find good networkers:

• First of all, limit venues with the words speed or boot camp in their titles!
• This is an art and a science; you need time to personally interact with people so that both parties have a clear understanding of each other.
• Active involvement in professional associations (not just membership) will connect you with a variety of people. Practice with some of them and just ask around.
• Attend conferences/workshops/seminars that your budget will allow; start by watching and observing. Learn what to do and just as important what not to do.
• Get involved in a mastermind group, besides a support group (there is a difference).

Have you been involved in these scenarios yourself over the years or will you be starting from scratch?

As you start or develop your network, keep some key factors in mind.

Quality over quantity:

Reduce the number of networking venues with the words speed or boot camp. They have their place but combine them with smaller “quieter” events. Take the time to build and refine your network. Remember, you’re helping them as much as they’re helping you. A good network will last for years (literally). You made need to replace some of your best people due to attrition plus infusing new blood will keep you and your network from getting stale. Intensity and speed in this p-r-o-c-e-s-s (intentional spelling) are incompatible.

Your network can be national. Technology is very useful and the use of the telephone counts! Actually talking to people whether it’s face to face or over the phone is much more effective than just the internet. All of these methods of interaction are to be used. LinkedIn is a great resource for implementing quality over quantity and allows the subscriber significant control (once you figure it out).

Build, sustain, and refine:

Develop the reputation of being approachable and attract people who are good networkers; they are capable finding you. Again, time and often personal contact is required for you to evaluate the people coming to you. A leadership consultant and professional speaker in the Milwaukee area, Susan Marshall (author of How to Grow a Backbone) will routinely request a personal meeting before deciding to develop a networking relationship. The telephone will suffice for the long distance connects. Is this person willing to spend the time to develop a solid relationship? Technology is a tool to be used in this p-r-o-c-e-s-s; not the primary method. It should be used to enhance connectivity; not replace personal interaction.

Look for people who will and have your best interest at heart. Save yourself from wasting time with the wrong people (theirs and yours). A good network will save you time, reduce your stress and enhance your quality of life. Make sure that everyone is giving to and receiving equally in this process. Healthy, mutual benefit to each other is your goal. We are all in this together. Companies who hire a workforce that is competent, confident and possess a strong sense of community has a greater chance of success (not just survival) no matter how the economy goes.