Comments on: I’m Distressed Because “You” Don’t Get It !!

By: Chris Brown

Chris Brown — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 20:09:44 +0000

The most important thing to do everyday to stay ready for the next job hunt?

Network. So when you need to ask a favor, you’re not a stranger.

Each week contact 2 people that you’ve worked with or wanted to work with… send a note, stay in touch, send an article, email. That way in a year, you’ve covered over 100 people. Do 2 letters from the alphabet each week and work thru your outlook contacts.

Nothing is worse than someone who calls me and asks for help and that last time I heard from him was when I gave him a recommendation for his last job 3 years ago.

Ask other people how you can help. Plan at least 1 1/2 hours per week helping — maybe breakfast with someone in their 25th week of job hunting. Maybe passing along a resume of a friend’s daughter or son who just graduated. Take time to help people & it will come back to you.

By: Ash

Ash — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 16:06:31 +0000

Thanks for the post. I’m always looking for jobs even though I’m currently happy where I am. My feed reader contains about 12 job feeds in areas I might be interested in living. This keeps me fresh on what kind of jobs are available, how often a company is re-hiring, what job requirements change over time, etc.

In the last month, however, I’ve received 2 job offers by email… one by someone in my network and one by a total stranger who read and enjoyed my blog. I didn’t ask for these offers. I didn’t go searching for them. However, it boosted my confidence that networking is the key… I’ve only been networking for about six months.

Thom (above/below) has it right; when you feed your network it will feed you.

By: Thom

Thom — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 15:25:48 +0000

Over the years I’ve found my network to be one of the most valuable possessions I have. I’ve spent thousands of dollars and countless hours making sure my network gives me just as much as I give it.

I think that’s the key. Networks aren’t a casual acquaintance. If you only use your network when *you* need something, you can’t expect it to respond.

I spend a lot of time making sure those in my network are taken care of. I make phone calls when I hear pleas for help. I send emails thanking people for their help. I’m always asking what I can do to help people in my network. Most importantly, I try and meet as many as I can face to face. It’s personal. And I’ve expanded my network to online social activities such as Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Because I spend so much time keeping my network well maintained, I’ve never had to worry about getting work. A great example of this is years ago my Wife was always worried that I would be laid off and that I could possibly be out of work for an extended period. I always told her I never worry about that because I have such a strong network of people who are willing to help me that it would only be a matter of days or even hours before something positive would happen. I still don’t think she fully gets it.

That’s my take Jason, keep feeding the network and it will feed you.