Research shows a large majority of all jobs are filled by people who heard about them through word of mouth. Getting as much mileage as you can out of the professional connections you make is the key to successful networking. The larger your base of contacts, the more likely it is you’ll find out about positions when they become available.

Some successful networking tips include:

• Tell friends, colleagues, business associates and peers that you’re seeking a new position or project. Be specific when describing your ideal opportunity.
  
• Develop a 15-second sales pitch to tell people you meet who you are, what you’re looking for and how they can help you.
  
• Attend professional association, civic, social or alumni events, and bring plenty of business cards.
  
• Always let the people you call or write know early in the conversation or letter that you’re looking for help.
  
• If you learn nothing else from a networking source, try to obtain at least one or two additional names of people to contact, along with permission from your source to use his or her name as a reference.
  
• Always send a short thank-you note to everyone who gives you his or her time.

Things to avoid in your networking campaign:

• Calling people you don’t know at home – unless you have been instructed to do so
  
• Putting people you are talking to on hold for more than a few seconds
  
• Using the name of someone you don’t know or haven’t received permission from as a way of making a connection to someone else
  
• Getting surly when people don’t give you the help you seek