Chris Cooks is one of the best networkers I know. Most of the people I meet at events are either small business owners or active job seekers. Chris is neither. He’s one of those rare individuals who is happily employed but still networks like crazy. Since I have been focusing this month on networking for job seekers, getting a guest post from Chris was a no brainer. Take it away, Chris.

When I first began attending networking events, I found myself often asked “Why are you here?” when whoever I was speaking with learned that:

* I was not looking for a job
* I was not hiring
* I was not in business development
* I did not own a company

My answer was, “I’m growing my professional network. My strategy is to have the air bags installed before impact.”

Being currently employed as a consultant with a local government contractor, I have to accept the possibility that something such as a funding cut or losing a contract could bring about my not having coverage. Although I may be content with the projects that I’m working on, I do not have the luxury of becoming complacent. So how does one keep from becoming too comfortable? The answer does not lie so much in an active versus a passive networking approach as it does in a proactive versus a reactive networking approach.

We all network, however, we are usually reactive instead of proactive. We tend to need some catalyst to become a proactive networker: the loss of a job, graduating from school, moving to a new area or needing a new client or project. Once the objective has been achieved, then we shut down the networking machine. I have been guilty of this myself in the past. It is very easy for contentment to morph into complacency.

Regardless of the urgency your current need to network, here are some steps to enable you to develop and maintain a proactive networking strategy.

Establish your base

Take an inventory of the people you know and the industries they are in. This is your base. Do not make the mistake of omitting people who may not be employed (stay-at-home parents, students, retirees, unemployed individuals). Remember, that people know people, who know people and your goal is to broaden your network of resources.

Expand your circle

How many of the people in your base can you connect with on social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook? As you connect, find out who they know and attempt to gain introductions either virtually, through social media platforms, or in person. If someone does not use social media tools, obtain the standard contact information (phone numbers, email). Do not be afraid to reach out to people with whom you have lost regular contact.

Attend Events and/or join groups or associations

Find a few free or inexpensive networking events to attend. Also look into joining groups or associations in the industry that interests you. Are any of the people in your base attending events or members of associations? If so, ask to tag along. Are there any Meetup groups in your area? Check out both professional and social groups, both offer opportunities for networking.

Volunteer

Volunteering is a great way to network. Whether it is with the school system, or various non-profits, volunteering can provide an opportunity to interact with a cross section of people from varied backgrounds.

Connect People

As you become a proactive networker, you will begin to meet several people networking for a variety of reasons. Keep the networking needs of those you meet in mind and whenever possible, connect people who can be of assistance to one another. Share the resources that you have developed. You will find that the more you do this, the more others will do the same for you.

Conclusion

When I attend networking events, my goal is to meet people and to establish and grow my base of contacts before I need them. As a job seeker, once you have accomplished your goal and obtained the job, do not “shut down the machine,” merely reduce the intensity and alter the focus to connecting people. Continue to do the things outlined in the steps above to be a proactive networker and have your resources already in place the next time you need them.

Thanks, Chris. That’s excellent advice. By the way, Chris also tweets from @ngagedc. If you are in the DC metro area, follow that account also and learn about great low-cost or free networking events.