Networking is a lifestyle.

There is a reason why the word "work" is in networking.  To identify a new job that better meshes with your needs, and goals you have to sweat, take risks, and ask for what you want.

During my lunch break today, I visited a salon on Greenwood Village for a new "do".  From shampoo to payout, the appointment lasted about 25 minutes (my stylist Jen is GOOD).  During that time I accomplished a few things:

1.  Identified 3 viable leads for a contact who is looking for opportunities in the legal space.
2.  Learned about and got a contact for an available position for a certified instructor in Littleton.
3.  Connected with the owner of the salon who is says she is "always looking for great talent", and got permission to send referrals directly to her.

By quickly and confidently sharing who I was, what I did, and by asking for what I needed; I was able to not only increase my visibility and grow my business, but also help numerous job seekers and hiring managers in my network.  When I share the information I gathered, 3 or more people could land jobs in the next few weeks!

With much discussion about networking, including the online "social" type, it's clear that many of us don't really understand what it is and how to do it.  Recruiter/writer Nick Corcodilos sums it up, "true networking is when you spend time with people who do the work you want to do, talking shop.  Good networking involves working with other active professionals...to learn something new.  Good networking is rubbing elbows and enjoying talk and activities related to the work you want to do.

Here's the thing that confuses people and frustrates them:  they think we network to get our next job.  That's absolutely wrong.  We network to get smarter, to make new friends, to build our value and credibility in our professional community, to help others, and to enjoy our work outside of the job.  Job opportunities arise out of networking; they are not the reason we do it."

Simple rules of thumb:

1.  Every where you go - connect, share your brand, and ask for what you want.
2.  Ask yourself what you want people to do for you, then grab the initiative and do it for them.

Transition is not easy.  At LeadSource, our clients don't need easy, they want possible.  So during our Smashcut Class Series, we teach folks how to create opportunity and achieve their goals.

Click here to connect with Sarah via LinkedIn and register for the next Smashcut Job Seeker Class Series!