Networking and the Inner Circle

Networking is a big word, but the practice itself can start small. Consider all of the people you already know: your friends, family, teachers, neighbors - and then think of all of the people they know. Your friends' friends, your parents' colleagues, your neighbors' kids. The list goes on and on. Take it one step at a time and before you know it, you'll be well on your way to growing your own professional network.

People Who Want to Help You
Adapted from The Overnight Resume (Asher, 2004)

1. Every alumna or alumnus of your school.
2. Every former employer.
3. Every former co-worker.
4. Every friend you ever had.
5. Every friend your friends ever had.
6. Every spouse your friends ever had.
7. Every parent or close relative your friends ever had.
8. Every acquaintance, however fleeting, you ever had.
9. Every professor or teacher you ever had.
10. Every career counselor at every school you ever attended.
11. Every leader and member of your church, synagogue or temple.
12. Every leader and member of every social, academic, or professional club you know of.
13. Every neighbor you ever had.
15. Every doctor you ever had.
16. Every hairdress, dry cleaner, personal trainer, coach, veteranarian, auto mechanic, wedding planner, and bartender you ever had.
17. Everybody you ever helped out in life.
18. Start over and talk to them all again.