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A very small percentage of the population can perform a circus high-wire act without need of a safety net. An even smaller percentage of the workforce can afford to walk the high wire of employment without the safety net of networking.

With the pink blood of lay-offs, downsizing, and restructurings staining the corporate hallways, one would do well to amass a network of associates, acquaintances, and associations to assist you in case the tide abruptly turns against you. It is good counsel to begin building your network long before you may actually need to use it. Job security is clearly a thing of the past. But employment security is alive and well. Even in the midst of significant upheaval, companies such as Enron and World Crossings were advertising openings. Maintaining a safety net can ease an unexpected misstep or upset.

Networking has long been a tool of savvy sales and marketing types. These groups have long understood that the power of familiarity can't be overstated - advertising has taught us this very well. Nor can the power of familiarity be overstated in how positions are filled in the workforce. It is commonly purported in human resources circles that nearly 80% of all job openings are unadvertised. Even if this estimate is overstated by 30%, at least 50% of job opportunities are inaccessible to such "under the radar" media as want ads, job postings, and employment journals. Knowing others, and being known by others, is crucial to survival in the erratic environment of today's employment market.

A common mistake of the networking novice is to believe that the exchange of a business card or an email address is all that is needed. Not so; this is far from effective networking. While these actions may serve as an introduction, they are just that: an introduction. Effective networking should include sharing business information, target markets, regional/territorial boundaries, and any other pertinent information. This level of sharing allows each party to make referrals in the future.

As you establish and maintain relationships with the individuals in your network, strive to consistently share information that might be beneficial to them - without obligation. Avoid simply overloading them with your dissatisfaction regarding your current circumstances.

Of equal importance is to learn to present your "success commercials" in ways that highlight your achievements in such business "measurables" as efficiency, effectiveness, and profitability. This is a little-known strategy that can create a backdrop of results orientation for your services or products. It is still true: success attracts success.

Professional fishermen categorize their nets by the number of mesh per square foot and the test poundage of the filament. This same system can be applied in the evaluation of your networking safety net. As you increase the number of contacts you have with the members of your network, you escalate your safety net's mesh-per-square-foot quotient. The test poundage of your safety net will increase exponentially as you share relevant, timely, and productive information with the network's members. By following these tips, you will demonstrate to your network that you are a giver - this is very important - and people don't like to feel used.

Here are three additional points to ensure your networking can serve as a safety net:

By Kendall C. Wright, President of Entelechy Training and Development, Inc.
©Entelechy Training and Development, Inc.

Kendall C. Wright is president of Entelechy Training and Development, Inc., a Cincinnati-based firm that works with companies, churches and individuals who want to enhance their skill sets in the areas of communication, management, motivation and leadership. Kendall speaks at conventions, corporations, and churches on professional and personal development topics, to include - The Dynamics of SuccessFul™ Leadership, SuccessFul™ Teaming, and Delivering Vowel-uable™ Feedback. He is the author of the great-seller Affirming and Confirming SuccessFul™ Living. To book Kendall to speak at your next meeting call, (513) 860-4934. Or Kendall@EntelechyCan.com.

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