Thread: Networking tools (Web)
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Old 09-06-2009 | 10:54 AM
  #4  
CRJDriver
Gets Weekends Off
 
Joined: May 2007
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From: Some Hotel
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I think some people misunderstand the term “networking”. Networking is building alliances. It’s not contacting everyone you know when you are looking for a new job and asking if they know of any job openings, not that there is anything wrong with that. Networking isn’t making cold calls to people you don’t know and asking them if they have any jobs. You are probably networking on a daily basis, without even realizing it. You are networking by posting and making contacts on this message board, when you strike up a conversation with someone at an FBO, attending an ALPA meeting or an NBAA show, etc.

But back to your original question, about using the web for networking opportunities. The Internet can be a great way to begin those casual relationships and turn them into networking opportunities. Web sites such as Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn, APC, etc. can be a great networking tool. These web sites usually have discussion groups and community forums covering hundreds of subjects and you can use these sites to “break the ice” before meeting in person. I also use Facebook and LinkedIn to find old flight students I had years ago, former co-workers, classmates, business associates, etc.

We all know that networking and making contacts is important, especially in aviation! And since we are on the topic of networking, one thing I’d like to point out is that staying organized is a big part! Keep a record of your networking. Whether you do this in a notebook, or in a database file on your computer, it's important to keep track of your contacts. Personally, I use www.flexlists.com, and online database with all my contacts that I can access anywhere at anytime. Also, I recommend the book “Job Hunting for Pilots: Networking your way to a flying job” by Greg Brown.
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