People like to do business with their friends and connections. When searching for a job, who better to network with than people who can vouch for your character. Good friends are worth their weight in gold. Why? They will praise you; they will tout your positive attributes; they will pump you up; they will SELL you – need I say more? So it stands to reason that you should engage your friends and generate new connections to help you with the search. Here are some guidelines to get you going:

Managing your relationships: There are three types of friends: friends for a reason, friends for a season, and friends for a lifetime. When it comes to job search and networking, you really need to provide people a reason to help you. Reaching out to a ‘friend’ that you haven’t spoken to in two years is probably not going to get you much help. After all, it looks like you have an ulterior motive – and you do. Want to get back in touch – which I strongly encourage that you do, do it with the intention of providing value for someone else. It’s not all about you. You need to give a little to get a little. Managing your relationships is critical to job search success. What have you done for that person lately? Probably nothing since you haven’t spoken in so long. Use this as an opportunity to rekindle a friendship. You can help each other in ways that you aren’t even aware of. Even better – you now have established a connection with someone that was previously a part of your life.

Getting a mentor: A mentor can really provide you with an objective perspective regarding your personal and professional efforts. This relationship requires that each of you select each other. Mentors like to work with people with whom they have something in common. A good mentor will challenge you and engage you in thoughtful exercises to help you develop a focused game plan. Remember, you will also want to provide value to your mentor. This is a two way street.

Expanding your connections: You might be wondering how you should start expanding your connections. It takes courage to reach out to people that you don’t know. You need to establish a plan to generate connections, including meeting new people on your own and also gaining introductions through third parties. I know this can be daunting; but it is completely worth the effort. Consider joining some industry associations, and attend business and cultural events – all of these things represent networking opportunities. You have the power to make your connections work for you. You must nurture those connections – polish them as you would a diamond in the rough. Above all you must be willing to help someone else – do something or provide them with something valuable. Be prepared to walk away with nothing for yourself.

Establishing your Reputation: Wouldn’t it be nice if everyone you met spoke glowingly about you behind your back? The art of relationship building and connecting is predicated in part by what people say about you. Always, always strive to ensure your reputation is great. Offer to help people when you can, pay attention to situations around you. You never know when an opportunity might arise for you to add value for someone else. You want people to want to connect with you. Providing value will definitely establish your reputation as someone that other people are interested in connecting with.

You can make opportunities for yourself by simply extending yourself to others. It is really quite easy if you think about it. Do unto others, and they in turn do unto you.