Contacts. Give before you ask.

Making contacts is an important part of your life.  Developing relationships are important.  And they are most important when you've give your contacts an edge.  It's a simple rule.  Do unto others.  

 

How can you make these contacts; become involved. Establish professional relationships.  Support these relationships.  Know of someone who's part time hobby is web builder?  Know another contact who is a small businessman, who needs those types of services?  This is a time to make an introduction. Invite them out for a beer; let them get to know each other.  And continue to stay involved with both people, making the assertion that they struck some type of deal- Or even if they didn’t.

 

Later ask for a referral from either or both, if it suits your needs. This isn't like calling favors, but if you continue to be an active relationship builder, your contemporaries will realize when you need introductions as well.

 

Give freely, expect nothing in return.  Are you a member of a social organization?  This might be the time to join one.  If you are under 35 the Jaycees is a great place to socialize professionally. If you are over 35, the Rotarians are a worthy organization worth joining for those same reasons. There are literally hundreds of social groups that you can belong to and become involved in. Volunteer.  Volunteer. Volunteer. - Join a bowling league, or a darts league.  Do something which gets you interaction with others outside the normal four walls of your organization. If you have a group internal to your organization, get to know other people in other organizations and become a cross organizational group.

 

Make overtures, get to know people, expand your network outside your current employer. Why? Because if the chips fall where they may, and one lands in your department, it's always great to contact old colleagues, but if they aren't networked you may not have the necessary contacts outside of your current employer to expand your horizons, if the need arises.  

Ask for referrals, it works in sales, it works in employment. Referrals and letters of introduction from others will get you further than any other cold calling method.  If you have the opportunity to influence decision makers, make that call, offer the letter of introduction for those that need it. 

 

Need to make contact with employers who are hiring now: http://www.govtcontractorjobs.com