The last point made here was that it is "who knows you" not "who you know". We all claim to know Barack Obama, Kate and Joe, Katie Curic, or Sarah Palin. The problem is we "know about them". We do not know them.
Let's assume that you would like to be part of a major non-profit, ngo, serving the medical needs of indigent people. Your family are all business people or teachers. You do not know people doing this type of work. If you will view networking as a process for creating people who know you, you can readily become a known talent for your targeted audience.
Networking can be viewed as simple four step process that you repeat as often as possible. Start with someone you can reach and may already know.
This allows to become comfortable with the process before you begin contacting new people. Anyone can do this if you think of it as a simple 1, 2, 3, 4.
-
Write the person you are targeting a letter / e-mail explaining that you are a college junior and you are very interested in learning how they became a leader in indigent health care issues. Close by indicating you will call to arrange a mutually agreeable time to meet.
-
Telephone as you promised and reiterate your request. Indicate that you know they are very busy and you only need a few minutes of their time. Schedule a time to meet.
-
Attend the meeting and ask leading questions about them. Through your questions and reflections on their answers, you will communicate about yourself. At the close of the meeting you will either request a second meeting because they have communicated a continuing desire to speak about their organization OR you will ask for the names of others that would be in a position to give additional advice and information just as they have. Do not ask both questions. Remember, you are trying to learn about them and their organization - not jobs. Most importantly, you want them to know and remember you when you walk out the door.
-
Sit down and write up your conversation and then write a thank you letter. Reiterate your appreciation for what they taught you. Indicate that you will quickly follow-up by contacting the inidividuals they suggested.
This is the fastest way to find an opportunity even though you never ask for one. 70% to 90% of all employment is secured through networking processes. What are you missing by not asking for advice?