Your first task in networking is to compile a list of your target organisations. Scour the web during your research to identify organisations that might interest you and try to identify decision makers if you can.

Another activity is to make a note of the people you know in the event that it may spark an idea or thought about how they can help you.

Think broadly. Start with your relatives and friends and then list professional people with whom you have recently dealt, such as your accountant, financial planning adviser, auditors, stockbroker, lawyer, insurance agent, doctor, dentist, real estate agents etc.

Then think of people you have met in the course of work - suppliers, customers, auditors, consultants, competitors, public relations and advertising agency personnel, contacts you made at trade association meetings, seminars, courses, functions, meetings, clubs (both sporting and social) etc.

Then consider retirees, people on the move, community organisation officers, Government agency officers, Parent-Teacher Association officers and members, acquaintances in religious organisations, small business owners, outplacement class associates etc.

Once you have started you will find the list grows as more names come to mind over the next few days.

Remember, the average adult knows from four hundred to seven hundred people! Don’t make an assumption that people cant help you based on the type of work they do and the perceived irrelevance to your career path. Consider the possibility that they may know specific individuals in your areas of interest.