- Your insurance agent (or any other professional, such as lawyer, accountant, etc.)

- Salespeople, beauticians and barbers

- A member of the clergy

- Other members of your religious congregation

- Your banker

- Others with whom you volunteer or serve your community

- Former classmates from high school

- Former college classmates who have graduated

- Fellow members in your professional association

So what do you think? Possible network? Not a bad start? The only problem is that it is “asleep.” That is, most of the people in your network may not necessarily see you in terms of the career for which you are preparing. Instead, you are to them whatever is the nature of your relationship: the niece or nephew, the client, the patient, the fellow club member, the person next door. If you have a network that is “asleep,” what you must do now is “wake ‘em up!”

In other words, you want those around you to be aware of all you can do—of what kind of services you hope to provide for them and other people as you build your career.

There are many ways to do this. Your value depends on several factors, which includes the nature of your relationship with each person, what his or her specific needs are and the services you can provide.

In my opinion, no matter how well someone knows you personally, it is always better to demonstrate to another what you can do and have them benefit from it. Most people, whether they are neighbors, uncles and aunts or fellow church members, will have a much stronger opinion of your professional abilities if they have benefited from them, rather than being told about the benefits you could provide.

Last Words

In this short read, we have given you quite a bit of work to do. But remember, you are investing in your future. Every relationship, every deed, every time you go out and meet, greet, and serve the needs of others, you are planting seeds.

As one last practical piece of advice, I strongly suggest that you invest a few dollars in a hand-held computer/organizer, such as a Palm or a PocketPC. While they have been around for a great many years, they are becoming more affordable every day. Indeed, after using a paper-based organizer for the greater part of ten years, only recently did acquire my first Palm handheld, and the difference in allowing me to track names, schedules, tasks and keep all integrated and backed up on my computer has been phenomenal.

Best wishes to you as you build relationships, and in turn, build your career. If you ever have any questions or comments, do not hesitate to contact me. You can reach me at:

advice@keithluscher.com

or at my website

http://www.KeithLuscher.com

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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