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[...] Jeremiah Owyang remind us to network before you have to. [...]

Personally, I treat my relationships (both business and personal) as lifelong realtionships – never opportunistic – kindness and compassion are important to those who feel stressed and understandably worried.

http://catalystformagic.wordpress.com/2008/11/15/employee-morale/

http://www.e-consultancy.com/news-blog/366717/sun-microsystems-axes-6-000-staff-digs-pr-hole-jumps-in.html

All the best,
Sopan

I want to point you to my new book, Entrepreneur Journeys (Volume One), which many discouraged people are using to get some positive momentum, inspiration, and encouragement, as well as learn the ropes of entrepreneurship if this way of life is new for you.
Check it out: http://www.amazon.com/dp/1439206872

Many great companies have been found during downturns and recessions. Many people have found their way into self-employment during difficult times.

Do not give up hope.

Sramana
http://www.sramanamitra.com

However, may I supplement your notion of building a network before you need it with Seth Godin’s notion of tribes; that, namely, the network already exists and all that’s necessary is for someone to step up and choose to lead it.

With companies breaking up, it’s up to analysts and consultants like you and me to recognize schisms and old ways of doing business, and suggest new methods of marketing and saving overhead through web strategies and social media.

I’ve looked for collaborators for a new business that I’m starting by looking first in my own network. People come from unlikely places, so don’t overlook the obvious. It requires looking past someone’s job or formal vocation to what they are passionate about. For an example, see this posting from a group blog that I manage: http://www.abiggervoiceblog.com/2008/10/kindred-spirits.html

I agree with you that networking has always been important and now, with new tools, it’s not only a lot easier, but there’s more power to leverage. I realized this after returning home from my 25th college reunion, without biz cards for people I wanted to stay in contact with, and finding them quickly on LinkedIn or Facebook. Couldn’t have happened five years ago. What I find is that I have to focus on adapting my methods to the new tools (e.g., I’m still figuring out how best to use Twitter and I know from many people how powerful it is in networking with others over time.)

Elyse

Do you ever write about the flip side of this problem? For entrepreneurs who are creating new companies, finding the critical first 3 to 5 hires can imprint success or failure on a nascent business. How can entrepreneurs improve their odds in hiring for the start up?

Steve Lup.

A social network should be your access to the many contacts and business cards worth holding onto from over the years. Provided your initial line of contacts are genuine, the next degree of contacts are available to you from but an email away.

Great post as always.

-M

Just this past week, I unfortunately was hit by this and my network of friends within the industry have undoubtedly had my back from the get go and have helped me already get a couple leads and an interview.

That was only ONE day after everything went down. Speaks wonders to networking beforehand but also to my friends and their care for those in their network. Truly lucky to have them.

Scott Phillips
http://twitter.com/ssadma

Good for you for pointing folks to some existing professional networks that they can leverage in a job search (among other uses.) Thanks!

Your comment about building a social network before an employment emergency requires one is spot on and mirrors one I made earlier this week in a post about social software being the unemployed knowledge workers best friend. We have more networking tools than ever available to us, but they must be used regularly, not just when we need them.

Jaffe is a smart cat. When all things are equal, demonstrating your ability with a blog could put you over the top from other candidates.

I was partly hired due to my blog for my last two jobs, and management could see how I interacted with others in public.