That’s my #1 technique for job searching. Of all the many ways of finding work including the Internet, classified ads, temping, career fairs, the best way to find a job is to buy as many people as possible coffee or breakfast, lunch and dinner. Let me explain.

If you are looking for a new position, you might be inclined first to go to the Internet and search for a job. But since most jobs are never posted, you should spend 80 percent of your time using the most effective technique: networking. Virtually every job search book and article will tell you that networking is the most effective way to land a job. This is a planned and systematic approach of reaching out and contacting friends, family, colleagues, alumni and anyone who can open doors for you.

Internet job searching is the most convenient and passive way to find a job and that is why everyone is doing it. Networking is the most-time consuming technique, but the most productive. If you asked 10 people how they found their last job, maybe one or two would say from the Internet. Remember, the Internet is an isolating activity. You should do the exact opposite and reach out to others for help, guidance and emotional support.

Circles of Influence. So the question is, how does one build a professional network? If you prefer, you can begin the process of networking electronically. This means starting with your electronic address book. Go through the entire list of names and ask yourself who might be able to help me. Divide them up into three “Circles of Influence”: 1) Inner Circle, 2) Middle Circle, and 3) Outer Circle. The Inner Circle is your closest family, friends and connections. They are on the “Dream Team” that will support you no matter what. The Middle Circle are close friends and contacts that if you ask will help you. The Outer Circle are lesser known contacts or acquaintances or contacts you have not kept in touch with, but may still might be useful.

Social Networking. I recommend building your social network with such sites as Linkedin, Plaxo, Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, Naymz and Xing. I must stress that as important as social networking is becoming, these are merely “virtual” relationships. You might have dozens of these “friends” in these accounts, but realistically how many of them can you count on for helping you make your next career move. Therefore, it is critical to take your “virtual” network to the next level and nurture a “real” network. We all need to get out from behind the isolation of computers and reach out and network in-person with such organizations as the Chamber of Commerce, service organizations and professionals associations. This will build the strong relationships that will be vital for your job change.

Levels of Networking. I can’t emphasize enough the importance of taking networking from Level One: electronic, then to Level Two, phone networking, and then Level Three: in-person. The in-person networking is the most time consuming and that’s why most people avoid or neglect it. However, it is the most effective. Your goal should be to conduct as much in-person networking as possible, because doors open and job offers happen after the after relationships are built and nurtured at Level Three.

The Inner Circle. Some reading this article, may feel uncomfortable getting out there, being visible and schmoozing with people you don’t even know. It is normal to think this way. My suggestion is you start with the top five people in your Inner Circle. You need to “Do The Ask.” Tell them the three to five jobs you are targeting, ASK for three pieces of career advice and three useful connections. When you contact these people, tell them that your friend suggested they might be able to provide some helpful career advice. People like to talk and are happy to advise you. This way you are upfront and not asking them for a job. Request to have a “Coffee Talk” to get to know them and understand what tips they might have as you advance your career. When you meet, have a list of three to five questions in your mind that you need help with. If appropriate, ask them if they have three additional people that would be helpful to speak to about your career. If you have one Inner Circle friend with three contacts and each of those Middle Circle contacts has three more, you now have nine connections! Don’t get overwhelmed with networking – just start with one.

Be Systematic. I would suggest you make one networking phone call in the morning and one in the afternoon for a total of two each day. By the end of the week you will have made 10 calls and by the end of the month 40 calls. This will be less overwhelming and you will make progress incrementally. If you miss a day of calls, forgive yourself, but you have to make it up by the end of the week. At the end of each week, evaluate your progress. How did I do really? What needs to change and what needs to stay the same? Who knows me and who do I know? Who am I buying food and beverages for next week? Give yourself a break on the weekends.

It is in giving that we truly receive. Be sure you are giving back in a creative way to all the people that are helping you. They will feel appreciated and be more likely to give in the future. It takes time and effort to build your “real” network. I recommend that you have the mindset of networking for life so you will have a rich support system established well before you need them in the next employment crisis. Remember: Networking beats NOTworking. Coffee anyone?

© Careers In Transition LLC