contact list

HR

a list of people created for the purpose of networking, job searching, and marketing and selling products and services.

     Someone wanting to expand and develop their contact list should seek to do so both inside and outside the organization they work for. Joining professional associations and volunteering for committees are good ways of doing this. Building relationships can take time, and it is better to do this before going to someone for help. It is also important that the relationships are reciprocal; someone building a contact list should think about what they can offer to their contacts, as well as what their contacts can do for them.

     A contact list should cover three basic types of network: the personal (friends, family, church, local community), the professional (current and former colleagues, supervisors, teachers, customers, consultants, members of professional organizations), and the work life network (executive recruiters, college placement officers, career counselors). A good system is needed for keeping track of these contacts, their details (including personal information), and any correspondence with them. Keeping in regular contact with them is vital, and finding ways to thank them for their help will ensure good future relations.