According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 70 percent of all jobs are found through networking.

A Wall Street Journal article also supported the importance of networking for career management and job search:

“While the Internet has made it easy to apply for work, career experts say that offline networking efforts to meet people and get introductions are a far more effective way to land jobs – especially since 80% of jobs aren’t publicly advertised, says Steven Rothberg, founder of a job-search web site.”

This is not a new phenomenon. Networking as been the dominant strategy for job search for decades, maybe even centuries.

Networking is not just an event or activity that you turn to when you are looking for work. Networking is essential for ongoing career management as well. Your boss and organization are not in charge of your career – YOU ARE!

Your career trajectory will be most influenced by three things:

1. the excellence of your work
2. the relationships you forge
3. your ability to communicate

If you are new to these concepts or need a little help getting jump started, download the template:

Networking Road Map – 3 month action plan

This networking road map has four parts:

1. Goal Statement – what do you hope to accomplish in your career over the next 12 months?  You can also set goals for the next 5 years.
2. Strategies – how will you accomplish these goals? What strategies will you employ to accomplish these goals?
3. Action Plan – list at least 3 specific actions and networking activities you will implement in the next 90 days. See page 2 of the roadmap for 19 different ways to move you closer to your goals.
4. Accountability – select some

Need more resources?

• Explore the Open Vault to find more valuable resources to help you manage your career more effectively through networking.
• Need a career accountability coach? Contact Kathy Mcafee at (860) 408 0033  to discuss how you might benefit from having an external coach help you manage our career and push you out of your comfort zone
• Hire Kathy to come and speak to your employees about effective career management through networking and building “people bridges” inside and outside your organization. Networking Ahead for Your Career seminar makes a great part of a new hire employee on-boarding program.

For more information, contact Kathy McAfee at (860) 408-0033 or email Kathy@AmericasMarketingMotivator.com