No one argues that networking is a vital part of your career.  Brand new college graduates already know that their network is the biggest factor in finding their first job after graduation.  If you’ve been laid off recently, you are fully aware of the power of having friends in other companies.  Career mobility in periods of high unemployment is almost entirely driven by your ability to connect with other professionals.  But what happens when you don’t have a big network?  You’re forced to reach out to people you don’t know personally and ask them for help.  It’s like mass marketing.  You send out tons of emails and get very few responses.  What should you do?

First, it’s not you.  But it could be your approach.  In this post, we’ll look at a few things you should consider including in your networking strategy. 

Authenticity. Your request must feel genuine.  Don’t be afraid to share the truth of your situation.  Hiding the fact that you got fired or laid off will send signals up like roman candles.  If your recipient gets that slightest sense that something isn’t right, they’ll just delete your request.   

Action-oriented.  You must ensure your request defines how you found the person, why you chose them and how they can help.  Make sure they know what you want them to do. The email recipient will assume you’ve taken the time to assess what they do, what their company does and how you will fit in.  Therefore, you should have some idea what you them to help you with.  If you’re just sending it blindly with the hopes that they’ll figure something out, it won’t happen.  Don’t do it.

Reciprocity.  Giving back does work.  However, your initial approach should offer something to the recipient rather than simply asking for help. As a writer, I'm always asking others for advice. I usually find a way to give something beforehand or in return for their support. It’s a sign that I value their time and effort and appreciate them spending it on me.

Likeness. Search for those who are like you.  People who have the same background or upbringing are likely to share the same values as you do.  Try to find some commonalities with those you reach out to as it helps establish a connection and give them a reason to consider helping you.

Validation.  This is the most powerful tool you can use. If you're looking for help from someone at a higher level than you or in an industry you’ve never worked in before, get a referral.  If you’re reaching out to a CEO and another CEO makes a referral for you, you’ve got a good chance that you’ll get a response.  Otherwise, the CEO’s gatekeeper will stop your request from ever crossing their desk. 

Persistance.  Never give up on what you want. People respond to passion.  If you’re trying to get a contact in a particular company, don’t quit until you get one.  Try different methods for contacting people in the company, such as Facebook, LinkedIn, or direct email. I once sought a contact for 18 months.  I did get it.  Be persistent. 

Help others. Many roads to success have been paved with this strategy. Offer your support to others without regard for reward or payment of your efforts.  Good things will come to you. This was Oprah’s claim to fame.

Networking is the key to opportunity in today’s economy.  Having all of the other ingredients, such as knowledge, skills, abilities and a college degree, are just part of the admission price to the game.  Networking is a skill that can be learned.  If you don’t have a big network, you’ll have to practice a lot.  But once you find something that works, you can quickly build upon it to find that next great opportunity.