Network, network and network some more! We all seem to hear that mantra a lot today. The reasoning is that your professional network can help you find the “hidden,” great jobs.

But if you don’t have a great network, how do you build one?

Read below for tips on how to build a great professional network.

• Start with whom you know. Friends, family, former colleagues, and even current co-workers. Ask them who they know in the certain field or company you’re looking to work at. Or ask them for names of people who do the type of work you want to do: if it’s marketing, do they know marketing directors? And so on.
• Be as specific as possible as you work with your network because if you don’t know what you want, how can your network really help you?
• Once you have the specifics in your head, you should come up with two things: 1) a short (30 seconds) “elevator” speech that describes a bit about your background as well as your desired job/career, and 2) a short e-mail message that also describes what you’re looking for.
• You can send the e-mail directly to people you know and to people in your LinkedIn network.
• Don’t just ask for a meeting, names, etc. Also provide value to your connections. If you see an article or job opening you know would be perfect for someone, be sure to send the information along.
• Try networking on other social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter.
• Don’t hide “behind” your computer. That is, don’t try to gain connections via just e-mail and LinkedIn. Get out and about. Attend networking events within your city, or at conferences and seminars in your industry. Introduce yourself to people you don’t know at parties and business events.
• When attending events in person, remember that the very purpose of these networking events is to meet people. Don’t hang out too much with those you already know. In addition, don’t be shy; people really do want to meet new people so if you go up to a group or individual and introduce yourself, expect a positive response. We mean it.

As you build your professional network in the New York City area, don’t forget the recruiters at Winston Resources. We know a lot of people in Manhattan, and we can help you find terrific temporary, temp-to-hire and direct-hire opportunities with some of the Big Apple’s best companies. Contact us today.