Online Networking Tips for Young Career Opportunists

In addition to in-person networking events, the web is the perfect place to meet professionals who are searching for your brand of talent. If you're nervous about networking, don't be. The internet is a great ice breaker and way for "shy networkers" to ease in slowly and get to know people over time. You can really make some strong professional bonds if you do it right. Here are some tips for leveraging your online networking effort:

Participate on a regular basis.

You may be young, but if you have skills then you're just as valuable as anyone else who you may meet online... and in some cases, maybe even more so. As a newbie to the professional world, you're in a great position to find a mentor who can bring you into their circle and get you some needed contacts and professional experience. So jump in, be curious, talk to people, ask questions! Log in on a regular basis and just put it out there. Offering help to others can be a big boost to your career - so share what you know.

Be open to both young and old; be willing to learn new things.

Young people tend to be more skilled in the areas of computers and technology than the older generation. Sometimes it can seem tedious to have to explain things, or maybe you feel impatient, wanting them to get to the point. Even so, your talents are well matched to someone older who knows how to play the career game. Make it a practice to be friendly toward everyone, even the old salts who seem set in their ways. You have much to learn from each other.

Use blogging to become even more immersed and connected in your field.

Blogging continues to grow in popularity... big companies have jumped on board, but even so the blogosphere is still a level playing field for young career mavericks. If you like to write, consider starting a blog as a means of making a name for yourself. Identify yourself as someone interested in and knowledgeable about your field. Or, make comments on someone else's blog. Blogging is like passing out business cards... but instead, you're passing around ideas, inviting people to get to know you in a much more intellectually intimate way. Blogging also helps you keep learning about your field after college, and staying abreast of recent trends and developments. It will put you in touch with the important people in your field - and you never know - you may just land a job as a result!

Copyright 2007 Hallie Crawford and Authentically Speaking. All rights reserved.

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Want free tips, tools and expert advice on finding a career you're passionate about? Visit Certified Career Coach (goes to www.createyourownpath.com) Hallie Crawford, and sign up for Hallie's monthly career newsletter, Creating Your Own Path, right now. Bookmark her career blog for recommendations on resume writers, online career tests and more career resources.