Identifying and Expanding your Network
Compile a list of names for the following contacts:
Personal contacts (family, friends, acquaintances, parents of children’s friends, neighbours,
clubs, community groups)
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Professional contacts (former employers, former co-workers, associates, volunteer
supervisor and colleagues)
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Education contacts (Instructors, Alumni, Advisors, Coaches, classmates)
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Professional groups and associations (Trade Associations, Networking groups)
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State your purpose!
Have a specific purpose in mind when you contact someone. If not, you may seem either
unfocussed or the person may not be sure of how they can help you.
To a friend or acquaintance:
You seem to know a lot of people. Do you happen to know of anyone who works in
______________?
Do you know someone who is a ______________?
To a professional in your field:
You work in the same field I am interested in. I wonder if you know anything about
______________ association? Is this the best association for me to join?
Do you know of any companies that might be a good fit for my skills?
Do you know of any potential openings in this field?
I know you have a lot of experience in this field and you know a lot about the market in
BC. What area within our field has the most growth potential?
Write 3 questions that fit your goals:
1. _____________________________________________________________________
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2. _____________________________________________________________________
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3. _____________________________________________________________________
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