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OVERCOME YOUR RESISTANCE TO NETWORKING AND YOU GET CONTROL OVER YOUR JOB SEARCH.

How many times have you been told you have to Network to find a job? The reasons are clear, the statistics show 87% of all white collar jobs are landed by networking. So why is it so hard? And what can you do to make it easier?

As a Job Search Coach for Executives and Technology Professionals I have heard many reasons and myriad complaints and I have seen the devastation to careers when executives, especially 'C' level executives don't network successfully. Very few people claim ease with introducing themselves and asking for help.

' I just can't ask people for favors.
' I am the one who helps.
' I don't want to be seen as needy.
' It is hard to start the conversation when it is about me.
' I hate cold calling.

Poor networking is the single largest barrier to landing appropriate new employment. If you learn how to overcome the obstacles you get more control over your job search. And ultimately, when you have control over your job search, you get better results, faster.

KNOW YOUR MESSAGE: Experience tells you the better prepared you are, the more likely you are to get the results you want. Next to each prospective contact, write down what outcome you hope for and notes on what to say. Be prepared with your elevator pitch and always have pen and paper ready if you are making telephone connections.

USE THE PHONE: If you craft an enticing phone message and deliver it with energy and conviction, you will probably receive an encouraging response. By contrast, if you send email, nuance is impossible to detect and in fact, you are more likely to misinterpret busy or style for rejection. A telephone call gives you opportunity to detect the positive response and create a bond.

CONTACT IN THREES: You have culled names from your contact lists of people who have worked for you and also have a list of people to whom you have been referred. Contact two people you know first. Leverage that success and confidence and call the third less known individual. Be sure to have a compelling message written down before you call.

CALL AT ODD TIMES: You are more likely to find someone at their phone at eight in the morning than ten. Executives are more likely to answer their own phones after six.

GET INTRODUCTIONS, NOT REFERRALS: When you do connect with someone willing to open doors, as for introductions that mention you will be contacting the individual. Anyone can say, 'Use my name,' but an introduction insures you will get a response.

Understand the code of networking; People want to help. They just need to know what help looks like. Typically, if you ask, "Do you know who is hiring?" you get a vacant stare for a response. Be specific in your request and you are likely to get what you need. For instance, ask for an introduction to a specific person or company. Use that company as an example of other introductions you would value.

Remember how good you feel when you can offer assistance to someone looking for a job? Why not allow someone else that same elation?