During workshops and counseling sessions, when I raise the subject of networking, I often hear, “Even if I wanted to network, I don’t know anyone,” or “I’ve already exhausted all my contacts so that’s the end of it.”
In the first instance, the person most likely has contacts, but is actually saying that he or she does not know anyone who can offer a job. However, the goal of networking is to build relationships and obtain from contacts the advice, information and referrals (“AIR”), which eventually lead to an opportunity.
