Networking: Networking is really supportive relationship building. Helping people, listening to their needs, and sharing yours from a win-win perspective is the best way to penetrate the hidden job market and get invitations to interview. To determine the net worth of your network, use the following quiz to think about how to approach other people—at professional meetings, in training classes, at neighborhood events, and community functions. For each situation, circle ‘Y’ for ‘Yes’ OR ‘N’ for ‘No’. I see all those informal conversations at business and social events as opportunities to use my small talk skills to build relationships and expand my network. Y N I know a number of people well enough (professionally or in the com- munity) to call and say, “Hi, this is (my name),” and they know who I am and what my capabilities are. Y N People in my network have referred me to at least ten people who have given me some kind of career or personal information. Y N I’m comfortable calling friends of friends, and friends of friends of friends to seek information. Y N I attend several professional or community organizations and am visibly active. Y N I read two trade journals or magazines in my field and two general news publications. Y N I know people outside my profession from activities such as sports, PTA, or volunteer work. Y N I’ve taken at lease one course or gone to one convention/trade show to help me stay current in my field or learn about a new field. Y N I stay in touch with people I knew and worked with at previous jobs. Y N I make a point of meeting people outside my organization, pro- fession, or industry at all levels of the hierarchy. Y N At a social or business event, I’m comfortable with introductions and can remember the names of people I meet. Y N I introduce people to one another at business and social events. Y N When people ask, “What do you do?” I avoid long, confusing job titles and labels and simply tell what I do. Y N I let people know the kinds of problems I can solve, so that they often refer the exactly the right kind of work challenges, job leads, or career information to me. Y N When I talk to people, I usually find up-to-date information on something of professional or personal interest to me. Y N I talk frequently with others for support, ideas, and resources. Y N I systematically network at work. Y N I have business cards and use conversation to look for ways to give or receive information or services so that exchanging cards is valuable and necessary. Y N I always find a good way to say, “Thank you,” when someone gives me information or resources or a referral to someone they know. Y N Count how many times you circled Y; then analyze your score Score Your work life and personal life will profit as you learn the basics of networking. 0-1 You can give and get even more in your professional and personal networks as you develop your networking skills. 11-14 You have only a few gaps in your network. Look at the questions you answered with N’s and strengthen those areas. 15-17 Bravo! You’re well on the way to experiencing the power of networking. 18-20