According to a Jobvite survey, employee referrals are 5X more likely to land you a role than just applying online like the rest of the universe.

Here’s the thing: Networking is the key. But it doesn’t have to be hard, or feel terrible. What if networking was just part of your professional life, like keeping your credentials current or meeting with your boss or direct reports?

AND…and this is a big AND…networking should be an ongoing part of your professional life, not just when you are job searching. After all, if only people who are job searching are networking, who are they networking with?

Here are 6 strategies for incorporating networking into what you’re already doing.

Network where you’re already going.

Perhaps you are in a book club, or your kids are in school sports, or you attend regular fitness classes, or are a member of a church. Choose conversation over the quick exit. You never know when you’ll be in the right place with the right person at the right time – whether it is for your benefit, theirs, or mutual.

Become active in your online communities.

Leverage social media to connect with people you already share an interest with – parent groups, industry- or job function-relevant groups, or people who share a hobby. Engage with content, sharing, and commenting to build a network where you already participate.

Check in via email.

Touch base via emails with your current contacts to keep your relationships active. As I like to say, LinkedIn shouldn’t be the place where your contacts go to die. A simple, “Hi, what’s new in your world?” or “Here’s a resource I thought you would be interested in…” goes a long way.

Utilize your organization’s social platforms.

Leverage your company’s internal platforms like Slack, Yammer, or Intranet forums to interact with colleagues throughout the organization.

Accept those invitations.

From professional association webinars, a neighborhood get-together, a random lunch invitation, or Happy Hour with the gang – say yes to an invite and go with the goal of engaging in intentional conversation.

Connect with connectors.

I call these people “Centers of Influence” – they seem to know everyone. When you speak with them, be sure to ask them “who else do you think I should speak with?” followed by “Would you be willing to make the introduction?”

How to make sure this actually happens.

Here are five tips to make sure these ideas become part of your professional routine:

-Schedule time. I like to think of networking as a low-level priority in my schedule. I am doing it on a regular basis, it isn’t taking a ton of my time, but it’s happening. To do this – it must be on my calendar. For example, set aside 15 minutes each week for email check-ins with your connections.

-Set goals. For example, decide to leverage your organization’s internal networking platform to reach out to 2 colleagues each week. Then reward yourself for achieving your goal – it’s the cumulative effect of these small wins that make the difference.

-Follow-up and follow through. As you meet people, be sure to send thank you’s as appropriate – this will also serve to remind them of what they said they would do for you. When you promise to do something for someone else, be sure to get it done – it’s your reputation at stake.

-Equal exchange of energy. As I like to say, don’t be a barnacle in the networking process – aim to give at least as much value as you get. This will feel so much better.         

-Regularly evaluate and make adjustments. Not all types of meetings will be fruitful for you. Some contacts you thought would be gold mines turn out not to be. Just make sure that, before you eliminate an avenue or person, you can honestly say you’ve done your part to make the relationship work.

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If you’re ready to take your job search to the next level by working with a highly experienced professional with a track record of client success, schedule a complimentary consult to learn more: 

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