‘Safety Net’work Now Not Later

As uncertainty continues to loom, it is critical that you are prepared for anything that could come your way in 2009.  So where’s your ‘safety net’works and have you been staying visible?  Better yet, what’s your networking strategy in general?  Here are some tips and tricks to build and maintain your physical and virtual networks.

Safety Net 1 – Your Professional Network

When was the last time you either attended a meeting of a professional organization you are part of or looked to join a new one?  What about getting involved and volunteering for a committee, or for further visibility, lead a committee or run for a leadership/board position?

If you aren’t into the administrative side of professional organizations, what about focusing on thought leadership activities like blogging and public speaking – maybe you can be a keynote speaker at an upcoming meeting?

How about former colleagues from old jobs, how are you staying in touch with them?

Your professional network should continue to grow through your lifetime, and it is important to keep in contact with not just those you see often but past bosses and peers as you never know when you may have an opportunity to work with them again.

Safety Net 2 – Your Personal (Family and Friends) Network

When was the last time you consciously made an effort to befriend new people versus hang out with the same crew?  What about sending an email, card or picking up the phone with an old friend?  Or asked a friend if you could help them with something?

It’s important to keep lines of communication open with friends you cherish for life while finding new gems to spend time with and connect.

Safety Net 3 – Your Virtual (Career and Social) Network

Is your profile up to date on all personal and career web sites so you can be easily found when an opportunity that screams your name comes up?  For the tech women out there, here are sites to get to know, love and nurture with your up to date information:

• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• 85 Broads
• Monster
• Career Builder
• Dice
• Hot Jobs
• Jobster
• Meetup
• Local and National Recruiters Specific to What You Do
• You Alma Mater’s Virtual Presence
• Former Employer Networks (maybe a Yahoo! Group, Bright Star, etc.)
• Profile on Organization Websites
• WebGrrls!

Also, when you “Google” yourself, what are the results?  Are you happy with them?  If you are not here you may want to join more networking sites or throw in the towel and become a blogger, or at least join sites like Digg and give thumbs up to other posts out on the Internet.

Remember, you can’t build a network when you need it overnight, nor can you rekindle one overnight as well.  You have to build a network in great times to leverage when the times are tough.

Related posts:

1. Tips for managing your Social Networks
2. Building Credibility in the Virtual Information Age
3. Net Neutrality – Why Should We Care?
4. Webgrrls’ Finds: Tips, tricks and tools to improve your work performance
5. Can Speed Networking Really Work?