According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the latest U.S. unemployment figures show the unemployment rate hovering at 6.6%, or 10.2 million people.  Please bear in mind that these figures don’t factor in the underemployed (desire full-time employment with benefits), 7.3 million, and those who have just given up on their job search, 2.6 million.  In total, this represents almost 20.1 million U.S. workers who are feeling the pain of our continued economic downturn.

If you factor in that there are over 155 million people in the U.S. who are eligible to work, this brings the total of unemployed/underemployed/those who have given up to 13% of the total U.S. labor force.  Considering our total unemployment rate in 2007 was on 4.2%, wow!!

Ten years ago, the average length of unemployment was approximately three months; today the average is around nine months!

As I have spoken to those who have been unemployed over the six years about their plight, I have been amazed at what a low percentage of them are actively networking to find their next opportunity.  The reason for this inactivity varies from being ashamed to let people know they’re laid off to not knowing how to network.

Considering approximately 80% of jobs are found through networking, now is the time to act!  While I teach how to network in my business, I’m going to share a few networking tips with you here:

1. Start with those you already know – What’s the point in trying to reach out to people you don’t know if you haven’t even reached out to the people you do know – family, friends, current/former coworkers.  They’ve all worked at other companies and may know people with whom they can introduce you or have the insight scoop on open jobs.  Plus, there are so many people being laid off today that the old stigma of being laid off no longer exists.
2. Find ways to help others – Think about that family member you have who only comes around when they need something – how do you regard them?  Exactly!  During this time, if the only thing people see from you is the palm of your hand (meaning, you’re asking for something), they may begin to regard you in the same manner.  When seeking help from others, always take a pause to seek ways you can give help to others.
3. Follow-up and follow through – When someone is kind enough to give you a contact or information, be sure to follow-up on it whether you think it will benefit you or not.  Once done, take the time to circle back and let him/her know that you did and the result (good or bad).  If they see you followed through on their advice the first time, they will be more willing to help you again.

Remember, approximately 80% of jobs are found through networking so if you aren’t doing it, you could be missing out on 80% of your opportunities to find your next job.  If you don’t network, you may not work!

Until next time….