Expanding Your Network = Career Success

We've all heard about the importance of networking in today's competitive marketplace. Whether you're a career-minded professional or a business owner, it's important to build, expand, and maintain your network. Besides who is currently in your network, it's also important to also consider who you want in your network. Here is a short list of different groups of people you may want to add to your network.

• Industry leaders
• Thought leaders
• Community leaders
• Individuals from other industries
• People who work at your targeted companies

Here are some avenues to help you identify names of people whom you may want in your network:

• Read local newspapers
• Read trade publications
• Join a job transition group
• Join a local civic organization
• Volunteer for a local non-profit
• Create "Google alerts" based on keywords
• Join a professional industry-related association
• Ask people you know who they think you should know
• Check out LinkedIn groups related to your field and industry
• Look at company websites and create a list of names at target companies

Don't stick with just people of your gender. Diversify! Women tend to have a smaller network and one made up primarily of women. This situation can limit their options, since more men occupy positions of higher authority.

Once you've identified individuals whom you would like to add to your network, determine how you can meet them. Where do they hang out? Do they belong to a professional association? Are they a member of a group on LinkedIn? Can any of your contacts introduce you to any of them?

Whether you are in a job search, or want to move up the proverbial career ladder, or simply manage your career, it's important to continue expanding your network.

Joan Runnheim Olson is the career management expert for high-achieving professionals who want to maximize career success and satisfaction. To learn more, go tohttp://www.pathwayscareer.com.

Author: By Joan Runnheim OlsonArticle Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Joan_Runnheim_Olson/4972