Relationships are ongoing and more sincere.

You usually have some kind of continuing contact or involvement with a person with whom you have a relationship. It doesn't mean you see them or talk to them every day or necessarily every week. Your association, however, does reach beyond a first-time meeting in their office.

You may have heard an expression: “When you meet someone, find a way to stay in touch with them!”

I believe it is true and very important to stay in touch with people. The “how” is the most difficult. I didn't feel right calling a person up on the phone, or sending them a note, just to find out “how they were doing.”

To be painfully honest, when I was looking for work, I didn't care about how they were doing, at least not enough to ask them. At the time, I was more concerned about putting food on the table, and really only cared about what they could do for me to help me accomplish this. I am not at all proud of that admission, but it is the truth. I am sure however, that few people looking for a job will deny this is how they truly feel, whether they are hitting the pavement fresh out of college or have been let go from a previous job. It's just our survivalist instinct.

So, in reality, a note sent out which read on the surface:

Just touching base and saying hello. I hope your business is doing fine.

Would really mean:

Just letting you know I am still seeking work. Any new leads yet?

Of course, there is nothing wrong with stating the truth in a tactful manner. In fact, the reader might respect your honesty. That doesn't make those notes any easier to write. I also don't like reaching out to another person when all I am trying to do is help myself. It's much easier—and more fun—when there is a chance that you can help them in some manner.

People know you as a person, not a name.

Through ongoing interaction and involvement, people know who you are. They are aware of your strengths and weaknesses, which is not bad. They understand what's important to you, not from what you tell them through your words, but through your actions. They have an understanding of the depth of your character. Hopefully, they trust you.

These are things that take time to develop. When seeking opportunities, they can give you as good a reference as your mother, without the obvious bias.

I'll give you an example:

The above is an excerpt from The Last Guide to Networking You'll Ever Need, which is available for sale for $17 in our bookstore or for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. In this tough economy, people who find jobs usually do so by networking. Written by Keith F. Luscher specifically for the job hunting students and recent graduates with zero to three years of experience who use CollegeRecruiter.com. Are you networking at least two hours a day? Those who are finding jobs are. Don't be left behind. Read this book and you will quickly find a new job. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

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