Here is sequential approach to developing your network. Begin with people you know—your primary contacts. Everyone can create a network list of about 200 people consisting of professional and personal contacts. Address books (paper, Facebook, and e-mail) and phone lists are written network listings.

Ask your primary contacts for secondary contacts with whom you can network. Continually update and add to your list with referrals from others. Your network can get you closer to the decision makers in a hiring position.

When meeting your primary and secondary contacts, introduce yourself with your one-minute sell. When you are introduced to people, call them by name two or three times during the conversation. If you think they can help you, don’t stop with casual conversation; make an appointment at a later time for a phone conversation, personal meeting, coffee, or lunch.

Next, expand your list to include people you don’t know. Where should you go? Anywhere people gather. Get more involved with professional associations and attend their meetings and conferences; many have special student memberships and some even have college chapters.

Keep your network informed of your career progress. If an individual was helpful in finding your new job, be sure to let that person know the outcome. Make a personal commitment to continue networking to be in charge of your career development. Continue to update, correct, and add to your network list. Always thank others for their time.