Networking During a Recession

An interesting comment Amy Lindgren made during our show was that regardless of whether we are in a recession or not – people are acting like we’re in a recession.  According to Amy, she’s seeing many job seekers or people out-of-work curling up in a ball, feeling like the odds are against them. 

Feeling scared by the headlines, over-dramatizing what’s happening, and worrying they won’t be able to find a new job or better job, many people can become paralyzed, even depressed, during a recession.

Amy’s advice?  It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.

Get away from the computer, your next job is most likely not going to be found on the Internet.  It will be found within your network of colleagues, former co-workers, family members, and friends. 

While networking can be intimidating for many people even in an good economy, it’s especially important for job seekers in a recession to reach out to people in their networks.

This can include using tools like LinkedIn to identify potential leads within your contacts’ networks, going to networking and social events, volunteering in outlets where you’ll meet other professionals, and basically staying out and in-front of people at every possible professional and social opportunity.

What networking suggestions and success stories do you have? 

For both our career experts and coaches out there: