Five Tips to Grow Your Network in a New City

Maybe it's the truly terrible jobs situation or maybe it's my personal reaction to being relatively settled down, but whatever the cause, it's undeniable that Entry-Level Rebel has been filled with posts about relocating and finding a job at a distance lately. At least I know I'm not alone. All across the blogosphere Gen Y bloggers are declaring themselves "location independent" and dishing out advice on how to get the most out of a mobile lifestyle. Among them is Matt Cheuvront of engagingly-named blog Life Without Pants (don't take it too literally), who recently offered tips on how to network in a new city. It's solid advice for the recently relocated:

• Start a blog - Seriously, just do it. Don't worry about defining yourself, don't worry about establishing a niche from the get-go. Just write. The defining and focus will come in time â€" but most importantly, through it all, you'll have a lot to put on your 'online resume'. Community building, networking expertise, product knowledge â€" you'll develop talking points that will help you stand out from the rest during an interview, and you'll undoubtedly meet some amazing people.
• Use Social Media - Why? Because everyone is. Odds are, your interviewers are on Twitter; HR reps are on LinkedIn â€" Get on board the Social Media bandwagon and use it to your advantage.
• Ask for Help - Probably my biggest piece of personal advice. Never be afraid to ask questions. Asking questions shows your desire to learn and grow.... So often we maintain that 'do-it-yourself' mindset that says asking for help is a sign of weakness. I'm a believer of the contrary, that asking for help actually shows a great desire to learn and grow, which is ultimately how you get ahead.
• Get online to get off--line - Online networking is great â€" but it will never replace face-to-face networking and communication. Use the Internet to establish connections and start conversations, but go the next step. Attend social media events in your city, ask people out for lunch or a cup of coffee, do everything you can to make offline connections.
• Try harder than everyone else - The bottom line, to be the best, you have to work harder than the rest. Network like crazy, blog like a maniac, follow influential people on Twitter, ask for recommendations on LinkedIn. Don't be bashful about marketing and promoting yourself. Talk about what you're good at â€" share your passions with the world, and never stop asking questions.

(Image of lonely girl in need of a network by bionicteaching, CC 2.0)