To be successful, networking takes time and commitment.
If you are unemployed, you have to search for jobs, send resumes, draft cover letters and prepare for interviews.
If you are employed, you have to commute to work, put in a full day of work and commute home. You may even be taking work home with you.
In addition to spending time with your family and friends, making time for hobbies, sleeping and eating, it seems that you may not have a lot of spare time for networking.
Make a networking plan that fits your lifestyle. I suggest the following:
Join a local organization or association within your industry. This is a great place to meet potential employers and colleagues while staying up-to-date on the latest developments in your field. The frequency of these meetings varies, but most will meet once a month and have committees that meet a bit more often.
Join an organization or group outside of your industry. Whether you join a soccer team or a book club, choose something that speaks to you. You may wish to pursue a hobby or a talent. Why not do so and network at the same time?
Finally, make time for volunteer work. Whether you do volunteer work within one of the above groups or you volunteer with another organization, take the opportunity to give back.
