A good friend of mine had been working full time to find a
new job. I am happy to say that all of her hard work has finally paid off! After
months of job searching through many internet sites, as well as researching companies, cold calling, e-mailing and
following up; only then did her real stress begin. She began worrying, anticipating, and anxiously awaiting every
phone call for months on end. Finally, a few weeks ago she got the call ! The perfect job with a great location in an exciting field, with an ideal schedule! What more could she ask for? How did she get such an opportunity? Was it her
extensive research or writing abilities?  Perhaps it was her persistent calling or perfectly timed follow up? No,it was through a conversation with a friend that led her to the position.

Networking within your sphere can lead to fantastic opportunities. What better than a referral from a friend or associate to a prospective employer? That referral  is a personal testimony on your behalf to another with whom they have already established a relationship. You really can’t get a better lead. I hate clichés but as we already know, “It’s not what you
know it’s who you know”.

I agree with what George
Blomgren at For Job Seekers, says in his post Networking:
More Than A Door Opener . He writes;

"Your
professional network can be an invaluable personal and professional resource, throughout your career. It’s a great source of career
advice as well as solutions to everyday business issues. It helps you keep
abreast of trends in your field. It provides invaluable insight into who’s
doing what in your field and in your city. It enables you do generate good
favor by creating “cross-referrals” for the people within your network.”

In short, it may be the best resource you have in today’s job
market. It is more important than ever to
establish

and maintain your network. A good start would be to build relations with quality people, who have good reputations and are upstanding in the community. In the meantime, make sure you are

earning a good reputation for yourself among your sphere.  Earning
a good reputation comes with being just that – reputable, dependable and
accountable in all areas of your life. You never know who is noticing your habits and who your next referral may come from. Remember, someone who is giving a referral is putting their reputation on the line. So unless you are solid, you won’t be worth the risk.

Lastly, surround your self with quality people. People are judged by the company that they keep. So keep good company! Network with
people in your community, in your work force, in
your associations, and most of
all your friends. You may be surprised what doors can open for you.