Exercises to help you start building your network

1. Steps to Building Your Network
1. Identify your contacts
2. Create a summary
3. Prepare questions to ask
My Existing Contacts
Immediate family Relatives near and far Close friends
Distant friends Neighbors Current or past classmates
Current or past teachers / professors Minister / priest / rabbi / therapist Accountant / personal banker
Beautician / barber/ manicurist Clubs or groups Doctors/Dentists
Friends of family Former co-workers / managers College Alumni
Mechanic Casual acquaintances Other

2. Network Summary Statement
The summary statement is a tool you can use to make each person aware of your background
so that he or she can give you the appropriate job-search information.
Summary statement
Part 1: Years of experience in the field, job title, brief description of education and training
Part 2: Type of position you are seeking
Write your abbreviated summary statement
Example 1
I have over five years of experience in customer service. I am currently exploring
technical-support positions.
Example 2
I am currently preparing to take my A+ certification. I am a skilled troubleshooter and
use a hands-on approach to assisting my customers. I am currently targeting help-
desk positions.
Example 3
I recently completed my A+ certification. I am proficient in troubleshooting, problem
solving, and installing software. I am looking for network technician positions.