How to Build a Career With Contacts

Creating a list of contacts and adding to this list can help you advance in your career. In addition to being able to reach more people, you will also be able to learn more about certain industries and their career potential. When using contacts to build your career, it's important to remember that it isn't all about what people can do for you, it's also about what you can do for others. Building successful business relationships requires patience and time, but in the end you can build your career through the recommendations and referrals of others.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Business cards

1. Create a list of people you know. This list should include everyone you've worked, socialized or networked with.

2. Contact those on your list. Building a career using social contacts requires you to develop ongoing relationships. This means that you should become a thoughtful listener as well as a skilled promoter of your skills and accomplishments. While you want to keep your contacts informed of your career plans, you also want to show that you are interested in theirs as well.

3. Ask your contacts for referrals to people they know who can help further your career. Contact all referrals by phone or email and introduce yourself. Explain why you're contacting them and ask if you can contact them in the future. Explain your line of work and why you wanted to introduce yourself.
   For example, if you sell payroll software, ask your contacts for referrals of those who work in HR or payroll departments. Those who own small businesses may also be interested.
   When calling a new contact, explain the purpose of your call. Ask specific questions about their job and start to build a relationship. Even if you don't make a sale, you now have a new contact that you can call or refer others to.

4. Attend local networking events to expand your contact list. Exchange business cards. Learn more about what people are doing and the plans they have for the future by asking questions and listening. Add new contacts to your list. Update this list once or twice a month so all contact information is current.

5. Host your own networking event. Invite those on your contact list and ask them to bring one person. This is a good way to build your contact list and give other people a chance to build theirs.

Tips & Warnings

• Building a career using contacts can take time. Attending local events, meeting contacts after work or for lunch, and staying in contact require time and effort. Use the Internet to make contacts. Join online forums and social networking sites to share ideas and meet new people.
• Relying solely on contacts to build your career may not always be the best solution. Depending on your line of work, you may also need to market your services through direct sales and online marketing, and through advertising campaigns.

Resources

• LinkedIn