In a tough job market， effective networking is key
If you want to become more visible in the community， volunteering connects you with people who share your passion and can position you to meet key leaders. Remember： People need to know you， like you and trust you in order to refer you， and demonstrating commitment to a cause can help.
Mike Macedonio， co-author of Truth or Delusion， Busting Networking's Biggest Myths， says regardless of purpose， there are no shortcuts to networking. It requires a plan. "Most people think too broadly and join too many random groups." Macedonio recommends spending about five hours a week on networking and limiting participation to no more than three groups， including online social networks. "It's less about meeting new people than having them remember you after the fact."
When Mercedes Dullum， a South Florida cardiac surgeon， circulates， she wants camaraderie* with other female physicians. "I like to learn about what my colleagues are doing and share stories." Dullum belongs to the Women's Professional Staff Association at Cleveland Clinic in Florida. Mingling* with female doctors has benefited her career： "They understand what I'm doing and are more apt to* seek my advice."
What not to do
A huge networking mistake is collecting business cards and shoving them in a drawer， says Meshel， who authored One Phone Call Away， Secrets of a Master Networker. He suggests organizing cards into a network relationship database and following up.
He believes effective networking culminates in mutual success. "Create opportunities for other people， and at the end of the day， it comes back to you."
If you want to become more visible in the community， volunteering connects you with people who share your passion and can position you to meet key leaders. Remember： People need to know you， like you and trust you in order to refer you， and demonstrating commitment to a cause can help.
Mike Macedonio， co-author of Truth or Delusion， Busting Networking's Biggest Myths， says regardless of purpose， there are no shortcuts to networking. It requires a plan. "Most people think too broadly and join too many random groups." Macedonio recommends spending about five hours a week on networking and limiting participation to no more than three groups， including online social networks. "It's less about meeting new people than having them remember you after the fact."
When Mercedes Dullum， a South Florida cardiac surgeon， circulates， she wants camaraderie* with other female physicians. "I like to learn about what my colleagues are doing and share stories." Dullum belongs to the Women's Professional Staff Association at Cleveland Clinic in Florida. Mingling* with female doctors has benefited her career： "They understand what I'm doing and are more apt to* seek my advice."
What not to do
A huge networking mistake is collecting business cards and shoving them in a drawer， says Meshel， who authored One Phone Call Away， Secrets of a Master Networker. He suggests organizing cards into a network relationship database and following up.
He believes effective networking culminates in mutual success. "Create opportunities for other people， and at the end of the day， it comes back to you."