Find your network...and use it!

You know that old saying... 'It's not what you know...it's who you know'...well I'd love to tell you that it ain't true. But unfortunately I can't. But what I can tell you is that you already know people, and they know people who know even more people, and you should start asking them for help.

Take a moment today and identify six people you know who might know people that can help you. It could be a relative, a neighbour, your mum's friend, a leader at a youth group you used to go to, a teacher, a friend's parent, someone from church...you get the drift. They don't even have to know you really well...the only criteria is that they know who you are.

And now you have the start of your network. You just need to think about what you'd like from it.

Let's say, you think you'd like a career in law, but don't know where to start, who to talk to, or where you can find some experience. Well start talking to your network...because there's a pretty good chance one of them will know someone who can help you. You're gonna now need to use some old fashioned communication techniques...like, drop round and say hi, or give them a call. Invest a bit of time - heck even have a cup of tea with them and let them talk about when you were just a baby. Talk about what you'd like to do and ask if they can think of anyone who might be prepared to meet with you for a chat.

And then sit back let your network get to work on your behalf. Don't forget to keep adding people to your network....including the new people that you meet. And every time you get to meet someone, ask them who else they think you should talk too...and they will likely make that introduction for you too!

Happy Networking!