Networking hasn't always come easy to me and I used to make a lot of mistakes.  

But once I found the simple strategies that work, it made all the difference.

I was unemployed in the middle of the Great Recession. I was discouraged and concerned about what was next for me. Was I going to have to settle for a job I hated? How long would it take to get hired?  

I shared with a friend that I was looking for work. He referred me to someone he thought could help so I reached out, asked good questions, shared my story, and added value.

She referred me to other contacts she thought could help and we shared ideas and resources.  

Then 2 weeks later, she invited me to apply for an unexpected opening that would not be posted publicly.

I applied, interviewed, and was offered an amazing position while the organization was under a hiring freeze...all because I networked effectively.

I didn't even meet 100% of the qualifications for this position.  But in a short time, I demonstrated the value I could add and earned her trust and confidence so that I was the one on her mind when the unexpected opening came up.

I went from 0 prospects to hired in just 43 days - during a recession and hiring freeze - from just 1 referral from a friend.

I didn’t have a long-standing relationship with her and I never asked her for a job. But I did build a mutually beneficial relationship and made sure she knew my skills and experience.

In 43 days she went from being a stranger, to my mentor, and then my boss in a job I loved.

This is just one example of how networking has propelled my career to help me reach my goals.