On my JobStuff Blog, I am reporting the results of a friend's search for a new career opportunity. A major tool in Doug' arsenal has been business networking. He has tapped his close network connections and reached to out relevant people on LinkedIn.

Recently Doug met with a small entrepreneurial company for an interview, through a recruiter. Although he did not get the position, he made a connection with the executive. In an exchange of emails, not only did this executive agree to join in Doug's LinkedIn network - but further agreed to meet with another of Doug's network members for a possible business relationship.

Business Networking is everywhere - even on an interview. Keep that in mind.

Stephen Harris

When I began my network journey, I attended any and all events as time permitted. Of course, I had a mission - find a new job and/or promote my consulting. Every event was fair game!

Secure in employment, I still network. However, now I am much more selective.  Networking doesn't mean you need to be out there every day for any event you are invited to. At some point you should stop and consider - what is it you are seeking out of networking. Then follow a strategy to ensure you are attending the right meetings to meet your specific needs (or ones that you particularly like to attend or where the topic/guest speaker is of interest).

In recent weeks, I have turned down more events than I attended. I realized my time was valuable and that attending events simply to meet new people isn't enough of a pull for me. Coincidal, my online network is growing substantially.

In an upcoming book by master net-worker, Scott Allen - he says that realistically we can keep around 150 people in our inner circle. It becomes important to grow and feed your existing network than to continually build one.

Something to consider and discuss in a future Blog entry: The balance between face-to-face and online networking and the effectiveness (and lack of) for each.

stephen harris

Loyal BlogReaders: I am presenting a teleconference on Business Networking for Executives seeking their next opportunity (the approx $100K+ club). The event is sponsored by Bill Vick at The PhoenixLink. This is a free invitation to join in Tues, Sept 28 11:00 EST. Simply email Bill (bill.vick@thephoenixlink.com) and mention you heard about this from ZerotoNetwork.

A free teleconference focused on the executive job seeker stranded in the transition zone will be led by Stephen Harris next Tuesday, September 28th at 10:00 AM CST (11:00 EST).

Stephen speaks from experience. As a former executive with a Fortune 500 company he was relocated to Atlanta from NJ and then let-go, laid-off or downsized. Whatever your choice of words he was forced to face the reality of being unemployed but through the help of many others he learned what worked and what did not. You can benefit from the mistakes and successes he has enjoyed in this action packed 30 minute teleconference.

Today Stephen is a Director at an Online Interactive Marketing Company, the author of two career & business networking Blogs and has successfully mentored individuals to a successful new job. He coordinates the NJ Company of Friends group, has attended many networking events. hosted business & charity networking events, mentored others, starting a project management consulting company, met with C-level entrepreneurs, and even became an executive recruiter ˆ all while seeking his next great full-time position.

He feels Networking is about giving. Stephen has received so much help and assistance in his own search that he feels pride in "giving" back his experience and expertise so please join him on Tuesday, September 28th at 10:00 AM CST (11:00 EST).

To register please return this email to bill.vick@thephoenixlink.com along with the following information and we will send you the access phone number and code. This could be just what you need to get your job search back on track.

Your Name:
Your email:
Are you currently-employed?
Current or previous title?
Your Industry?
Are you looking to remain in this same industry or change?
Identify '2' things you are looking for in enhancing your Business networking skills?
1.
2.

Please email or call me with any questions or suggestions. This teleconference is on a first come first served basis and attendance is limited.