Inc. An effective contact strategy takes research, initiative and accuracy - all important ingredients of a successful job search. Research is required to assemble your contact list.
Initiative is required to place calls and visit every single person on that list.
Accuracy is required because you will need to confirm the spelling and pronunciation of each person's name as well as his or her title. Unless you are looking for a job in human resources, the action person usually is not someone in personnel. Calling contacts for job leads and interviews makes most people quake in their boots. Although these fears are normal, you need to overcome them to find a job. Unless you make calls steadily, you will never get to interview.