Article of the Month

The Eight best ways to network

(If there were ten ways, you might not read this)

April, 2012

By Craig Nathanson - The Vocational Coach™

1. First and most important, decide exactly what you want to do.
Many people network with the wrong people because they have not figured out what they want to do.

2. Network with people who are doing exactly what you want to do.
Many people waste their time on social networks with people hoping someone will give them a lead. Big mistake. Instead, join groups of similar people who are doing what you really want to do.

3. Teach a class, write an article, give a talk.
This is the best way to network- discussing what you know about or learning to like minded people.

4. Become an example at what you love.
Select a small niche which you love and become an expert. Learn all you can, create your own ideas. You will meet new important leads as a result.

5. Learn, learn, and learn.
Make an education plan for yourself in the area you love. It doesn’t have to be a formal degree. The idea is to be educated deeply in the area which interests you the most.

6. Stop networking in areas which you have more experience.
Better to network in areas which you have no experience but are really interested in. Otherwise you will find yourself in the same boring work as last time!

7. Be healthy
When you are healthy, you feel better and are more optimistic. As a result, people will respond better to you. Stop smoking, drinking, lose weight, pick an exercise program daily. Sleep 8 hours, eat healthier. I guess you already know this one!

8. Discard those old contacts.
It’s time when networking or in transition to find new contacts which are better aligned in the areas that you want to do most.

I'll be cheering you on as you go

Craig Nathanson

Craig Nathanson is the author of "How to find the RIGHT work during challenging times: A new approach to your life and work after 40" and is a coaching expert who works with people over forty.

Visit Craig's online community where you can take a class, get more ideas through Craig Nathanson’s books and CD’s, get some private coaching overthe phone or skype using webcam or in Craig’s office, or read other stories of mid-life change and renewal.

Craig lives and works in Petaluma, California. His office is located at P.O Box 2823, Petaluma Ca, 94953. You can reach him at 707-775-4020 or at craig@thevocationalcoach.com.

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