Employers just love to fill jobs with friends of good employees. And often the only way to hear of freelance projects is through a grapevine, such as an Internet chat group. Yes, you do need to learn how to swing on that vine even if you are now happily employed.
Experts agree that networking is essential.
But they also agree that it needs to be reciprocal and sincere, and is best done a little at a time. Susan Guarneri, a certified career counselor in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, has been attending professional meetings for years. Her efforts have paid off in productive, long-term networking. And here's how. Do not, under any circumstances, think of networking as a tool to use only when you need help.