There are several reasons why we freeze or have a sudden case of the jitters when we attempt to network. The number one voice response to this fear is that most of us do not job seek on a regular basis. We just apply those techniques when we need a position or desire a transition. We think of a salesperson as the ideal networker, one who applies their skills daily to those they know or need to know in order to get that sale.

The job seeker on the other hand, generally does not apply these skills on a consistent basis. What you do not use becomes weak, and hesitation ultimately reigns. The prospect of finding work when you are the product or service to be "sold" is perceived as a daunting task. Echoes of the word rejection flood your mind from past experiences of possibly not being loved by a parent or loss of a girlfriend or boyfriend. This is interpreted as pain for a job seeker instead of getting the job and its associated rewards as eventual pleasure. We all try to avoid pain and rejection. It is just the way we are wired.

Some of the symptoms of fear and rejection associated with networking can stem from the idea that who you are most familiar with has little or no networking value and you must start a cold-call campaign. Of course with networking you eventually will enter the realm of new contacts, but why call it cold calling from the start? Let's call it as Zig Ziglar says; warm prospecting. Warm prospecting calls can be a lot more inviting than cold calling. At the start of any new endeavor, such as networking, you will be more hesitant about doing anything cold. Let's make it warm and therefore less painful.

Networking can be on the phone and/or in person. Start with whatever your personality dictates. Some of you prefer the phone instead of an in person conversation. That's great! Use that advantage to get a start that can insure more quality results.

Because so many folks that are selling something use networking, we can assume that networking is a method of using people. We interpret it as being pushy and imposing. Let me encourage you from the get-go that polite professional networking can be a benefit for all involved. You will be surprised of how many contacts that you make can benefit from you! You obviously know people who they do not know where you can provide insight into your contact base. It sometimes is referred to as the win-win.

Understand that networking can be enjoyable, rewarding and yes, fun! Start with current friends and family. Tell them your goals and ask who they know that could possibly help you. You will be pleasantly surprised at the results. You probably didn't know that your immediate contacts knew so many people. It is expediential growth at its finest.

This initial exercise can propel you into the realm of contacting their contacts and also who they know. The list can be quite involved. Be prepared to have some type of planner, journal or software to keep track of what possibilities they can provide. Post-it notes and a legal pad will only go so far. You will need to invest in tools that can assist you and make the effort as advantageous as possible.

Finally let me encourage you to network. The Lord came to earth to bring salvation to those who believed in Him. He "networked" in a variety of ways in His spreading the Gospel. The numerous biblical accounts of Jesus with His disciples described His unique process of networking. His command to His disciples to go tell the story of salvation is another way of networking with existing and new contacts. References in the Bible to "Go Tell" and "Ask" provide the basic elements of networking.

Networking is good and it should be applied in your life. If the Lord knew it was good for Him, it is obviously good for you. Take time to determine what type of position you are seeking and develop a list of initial contacts who you feel can provide guidance and who they know that might be of assistance. With practice and determination you will succeed. As always, ask for His guidance and He will provide.

God bless you in the search.

By: Jeff Farmer, MA NCCC
©Christian Employment Resource, 2010