"Networking is as essential as breathing," declared Marvin Acuna, a Los Angeles-based entrepreneur with his hands in a medley of enterprises, including film production, screenplay writing, and career guidance. Certainly, networking is crucial for generating business opportunities, and in this dismal economic environment, experts say it can be the key that opens the door to new employment opportunities.
In fact, networking shouldn't be delayed for a moment. The proactive worker needs to start networking now, far in advance of suddenly being deprived of gainful employment. You need to get ahead of the game, because networking takes time, effort, and strategy before it can deliver its payoff.
Networking means developing a broad array of contacts, people whom you've met through a variety of social and business occasions. Later those connections -- solidified by convivial interaction, a recognition of one another's skills and talents, and even past mutual aid -- can be employed to learn about new job opportunities and potentially gain an endorsement when and where it is needed.
Network Now, or Go To the End of the Line
"I would say networking is probably one of the most, if not the most, important tools you can use in finding employment," said Rose Ann Djelmane, president of California Hispanic Corporate Council Leadership Institute (CHCCLI).
"Networking is not going to get you the job," Ms. Djelmane said. "You have to prove yourself with your skills and your background, but networking gets you in front of the right people so you can have that opportunity."
The current dire employment picture heightens the need for networking. When hundreds of skilled workers are competing for a position and their resumes form a small mountain on the HR director's desk, you need a boost to stand out.
"With so many people vying for opportunities," Mr. Acuna explained, "a decision-maker can be easily influenced to at the very minimum take a closer look at a job candidate . . . just because there's a credible source who they value asking them to do so."
Furthermore, Mr. Acuna pointed out that companies often desire recommendations. After all, every new employee is a question mark and a bit of a risk. A recommendation reassures the firm that they've made the right choice. Your network connection may make all the difference in the world between a job offer and a resume dumped in a dusty file drawer. "Credibility becomes incredibly valuable. It is the light in the darkness," Mr. Acuna said.
Where to Network?
Some experts say start local, start small, and talk with friends, family members, and coworkers. But don't stop there. There are hundreds of profession organizations and business associations, including those especially for women and minorities, whose central mission to enhance the careers and advancement of their professional members. Along with professional associations, Mr. Acuna points to the technology/2009/2/2/social_networking_sites_as_a_tool.htm">new power of social media to make connections, and the usefulness of leisure and social organizations for generating an extremely diverse but potentially useful range of contacts.
"I have met so many wonderful people who ultimately have been a bridge to my results, and I met them in an environment that had nothing to do with my primary work," he said.
The California Hispanic Corporate Council Leadership Institute offers a powerful example of the usefulness of a business association for networking. CHCCLI 's declared mission is to "encourage the professional development, promotion and advancement of Hispanics in corporate and community settings." CHCCLI president Djelmane reported that "One of the main benefits of being a member of CHCCLI is networking, not just for employment opportunities, but also business opportunities. I think that a lot of members have been able to connect with one another and with guests that attend our events."
CHCCLI regularly puts on speaker events and the more tightly focused "leadership programs." Recent sponsors have included Southern California Edison, Merrill Lynch, Union Bank of California, Countrywide and other Fortune 500 firms. "A benefit of sponsorship" for these corporations, Ms. Djelmane said, is "access to our membership, a group of high-caliber individuals."
"As the president of the organization," Ms. Djelmane added, "I feel that one of my duties is to make those connections between people and to add benefits. I am always thinking about making those connections and introducing people."
Some Tips
Don't enter a networking situation seeking immediate favors or help. "If you walk into a room," Mr. Acuna said, "and the only thing you are interested in is selling your product, then you alienate people. You ultimately miss opportunities." Instead he recommended first thinking how you can benefit others.
"What I have found in my life is that by being the person who finds out what their needs may be, what their dream and aspirations may be, and if I can make a simple introduction, if I can provide a resource, something that can help them in their journey, then that produces ten-fold the rewards to me."
Second, experts recommend that you be systematic in your efforts. Keep a record of your contacts and create a plan for how you will make new connections during the week and how many.
Third, do follow up. Send a note of thanks or acknowledgment to those you meet. Regularly check in with your friends and acquaintances.
In the end, networking takes time and effort, but will give a big boost to your job hunting efforts if unemployment disaster strikes.
