Welcome to my 4-part “Pimp Your Career” series.

In part I, I showed you the way to pimp your brand.  In part II, I showed you how to pimp your resume.  The third part of your job-search strategy in sales is having a great network.  To avoid the inevitable panic that will accompany a job search in which you realize you have no one to go to for information, help, or support when you really need it, ALWAYS BE BUILDING YOUR NETWORK.  (Have I communicated how important that is??  I hope so.)  I have talked about network-building skills in several posts and one podcast. 

When I talk about building your network, I don’t mean that you need to have handed out your business card to everyone who glances at you on the street.  That’s not going to be effective.  Networks are relationships.  Not deep, BFF (best friends forever) relationships that are going to take all your time, but at least something that will ensure they remember who you are when you call.  It doesn’t have to be lunches, it could be a quick e-mail. Think:  “Hey, how are you?” or “Here’s something that might interest you” (no e-mail chain letters, please).  Seth Godin’s Catchers and Throwers post has a great way to think about this idea: 

You can contact just about anyone you want. The only rule is you need to contact them personally, with respect, and do it months before you need their help! Contact them about them, not about you. Engage. Contribute. Question. Pay attention. Read. Interact.

 If you have a network of business accquaintences/friends assembled, it won’t feel so awkward to ask them for help when you need it.

For example:  you could send an e-mail to your network introducing them to this blog.  You would be doing them (and me) a favor — they won’t forget it.


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