I agree that the underlying message of people who say they don’t know anyone is that they don’t know anyone who can help them “find a job.” Networking must be about giving to get, and the getting is really asking for contacts not asking for a job.

Beyond that, the mentality seems to be a one degree of separation rather than six degrees of separation. The truth is, we don’t know who knows who (did you get that) until we begin a dialogue. My brother could be the president of Kraft Corporation (he isn’t), but without engaging me in a conversation, you don’t know who I know and who I can introduce you to.

Cindy Kraft
the CFO-Coach
http://www.cfo-coach.com

Barbara, excellent! The value of a network doesn’t depend on the level of friendship! Having a strong network contact (that you might rate as a 5 star, for example) doesn’t mean that you are best friends. I hadn’t thought about that before. Also, the idea that this statement is a red flag where you might need to dig deeper to get more info about the real concerns… right on.

You’re right…Often people think that no one in their network can help them. Sometimes when people say they don’t know anyone, there imay be a hidden message in what they are saying. Many people are reluctant to network because they think that networking means asking for a favor and this makes them uncomfortable. Others doubt their own abilities and are fearful that there is no one out there that is willing to become an advocate for them during their job search.

Networking is not about asking for favors…it’s about asking for and sharing information. People are very willing, even flattered, to share information. People do not have to be your best friend in order to help you in your job search and as long as the job seeker is willing to put themselves out there, they will get some exceptional advice and help.

Unless your a hermit you know lots of people and they know lots of people who know lots of people . . .

The value any of these can provide is not necessarily a job lead (its great if they can) but they may know of someone at your target company or know someone who knows someone there. I’ve heard countless stories of people get contact referrals from the checker at the grocery store, some in an excercise workout class, a wife’s garden club friend etc.

Very often it is a case of “who do you know who . . .”