Build Your Network Now

Now is the time to build your network. Start connecting with friends and acquaintances. Whenever you meet someone who is successful or whom you think will be successful in the future, develop a relationship. Get their name, telephone number and email address and add them to a contact list. You never know when you might need them.

You probably have some idea which of your classmates or ward members are likely to be very successful. They are the ones who get the good grades, who are socially connedted, who may be class officers or ward leaders. You need to establish relationships with people who can help you in the future.

Most jobs are secured through networking. Recent surveys have shown the almost thirty percent of new jobs are found in this way. When I was a senior executive, I always asked my staff whether they know anyone qualified for whichever opening I was trying to fill. I never used any other method to find people.

Now, while you are still in school, is the time to develop relationships with as many people as possible whom you can go to in the future to find job opportunities. You need to start building these relationships now, before you need them. You need vital relationships to accelerate your executive ascent.