Doesn't it always seem that the wealthiest folks have the best luck? They're out there making deals and scoring fantastic opportunities, while you're sitting home scouring the job boards. Bummer! The truth is, you don't have to have a wad of cash to network like the pros. Try these 5 quick tips to boost your connections without breaking the bank.
1. Everyone — working or not — should have business cards. Skip the pricey custom printing and 100-card minimums, and visit your local office supply store or Moo.com to get inexpensive, simple cards. Don't use free cards with the printing company's logo on the back, though... It's worth the $30 or so to ensure that you look professional.
2. Volunteer to work the door at networking events for your industry. You won't have to pay to attend, and you'll get to meet everyone as they arrive. Even better, you'll be a person to know, since you'll have access to the event's organizers and sponsors.
3. Many job seekers fall short when following up. Track your job search contacts and return emails and calls ASAP! Use a free Highrise account to make notes, manage contact info, and set follow-up tasks that can be automatically emailed to you.
4. Ask your mom (seriously!). Networking through family and friends is the best way to get a job you'll love. It helps to provide them with a short description of what you do and the types of gigs you're looking for, especially if you work in a highly technical industry.
5. Be nice. It's not revolutionary, but it can completely transform your job search. Offer to help others, treat new contacts to coffee, and pass along job openings to friends that might be interested. When a position opens up that's perfect for you, you can be certain you'll be the first to know.
SuperBum has been helping clients (like MTV, Paramount, Sony, Fox, Jenny Craig, Stand Up To Cancer, and her mother) get their messages out to the world for over 11 years, first as a freelance TV and promo editor, and later as a web developer and interactive marketer. When not working on her site RockUnemployment.com, she enjoys going for hikes, raiding the library, and taking photos of her crazy dog, Boomer.