Networking is defined as establishing contacts, exchanging information, and/or developing relationships with others in informal networks for the purpose of obtaining employment or a job, getting a date, or furthering one's career. The key to networking is to be a good reference and to cultivate good references in informal networks.

Definition of Networking Terms

What is the difference between "reference" and "network"? A "reference" is a person who provides either you or someone else (on your behalf) with a letter or phone response (i.e., verification/validation information) of you and your background, capabilities, and desirability. A "reference" is also the material/information that a "reference or referrer" gives about you to others. Hence, a "reference" may be both the person providing the reference information and the material/information itself that is provided.

A "network" is the list of names and contact coordinates of your "references." A "network node" is a specific person on your network list. Hence, a "network node or networking node" is a specific "reference" or person on your "network" list of references.

Types of Networking

There are several types of networking:

1. Job or Employment Networking-network to land a new job, business, or customers.

2. Career Networking-after you land a job, career networking follows to advance your career.

3. Social Networking-this is a lonely hearts club or networking for dates and/or a future mate.

You can enhance the success of your personal and professional skills by learning all you can about each of these networking types, then employing those that work best for you.

David Hale, Ph.D., PCC, a Corporate Performance Consultant, University Professor and Professional Certified Coach, is an internationally recognized speaker, author, and seminar leader. He is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of the DHI-Communication. For more than 20 years, Dr. Hale has trained professional coaches, ministers, clinicians, executives, teachers, government agents and private individuals using the coaching methods and skills that he has designed. David is the author of The High Performance Entrepreneur: 12 Essential Strategies to Supercharge Your Startup Business published by iUniverse in 2008. His newest book, Straight Talk From Corporate America's 10 Most Requested Speakers and Trainers, is written with the intent to make his personal and business success skills and principles widely available. David's work and books have been featured on national television, radio, and print media.



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