Small Business

Master Your Networking Skills to Rescue Yourself From a Crummy Job

By Rick Broida

Updated on: July 1, 2008 / 12:49 PM EDT / MoneyWatch

You know the old saying: It's who you know. Don't know anybody good? Maybe it's because you're not networking enough or properly. Dumb Little Man offers 25 essential rules for networking success, starting with these:

Start before your need it The best time to start building your network is yesterday. The second best time is today. Relationships are cultivated over time. Begin by making networking a priority now. It is a simple habit that you can start now that will pay great dividends in the future.
Learn about people's goals The best way to have an impact is to add value directly where it is most important to the other person. Find out what the people in your network are looking for and look for ways that you can help achieve them. Everyone wants to be friends with someone they know is on their side.
Connect people you do know Use your networking not only to benefit yourself but also to benefit others. Connect people in your network that could provide value to one another. For example, if one of your associates is in need of a web designer and you happen to know one, connect the two people together. Your two associates benefit from the business arrangement and you benefit from the good will developed.

In these times of recession, layoffs, and everyday job crumminess (see BNET's excellent Return of the Crummy Job feature), this stuff is more important than ever. This guide should help you develop the mad networking skillz you so desperately need. Photo by nationalrural.