Do you have many contacts from networking but are unsure how to leverage them? It can be challenging to think of ways to approach those you are merely acquainted with, as well as your intentions in reaching out to them.

Your contacts are important not only because of what you can “get” from them, but also who/what they can introduce you to. Leveraging contacts is about adopting the right attitude in relation to your network.

Here’s what this means in practice.

1. Treat every contact with respect

If you only reach out to your contacts when you need something, you are saying you do not value them outside of what they can do for you.

Treat your contacts as potential allies instead, by nurturing and aiding them. Actively get to know what they need and avoid only telling them what you want.

Ideally, you should show that you are there to support and help them as well. By genuinely treating them with respect, they will be more likely to respond in kind.

2. Give more than you take

Knowing what your contacts want is a crucial first step, but actually helping them achieve their goals demonstrates your real intentions.

Show them how you can be helpful. Do you know someone who would be beneficial to this person? Could you use your own skills and expertise in some way to help them?

Once you’ve done something favourable for your contacts, they won’t forget you. And as you continue to create value for them, they’ll actively want to help you as well.

3. Know exactly what you want

Before approaching a contact, be clear on what you want; only then should you approach the person you think is most likely to be able to help you.

You may ask: “How exactly do I work out what I want?” Start by making a list of your strengths and passions, and expand this towards the careers, work environments, and organisations that will best match up.

Include and consider factors such as financial requirements, childcare restrictions, travel issues, and anything else that’s applicable to you.

4. Communicate clearly

Have you ever been approached by someone who was unsure about what they were asking, and ended up spewing vague ideas and half-baked plans instead? Frustrating, isn’t it?

Make sure you are clear and concise in your conversations with your contacts, and give them a direct description of what you’re looking to achieve.

5. Think about what to ask for, precisely

This might sound similar to point 3, but this time, hone in on what it is specifically that you need from the person you reach out to. Is it a job? An introduction? An opinion?

You can ask for whatever you want, but make sure you’re contacting the right person. There’s no point talking to someone who has zero connections in the industry or organisation you’re interested in.

Similarly, if you’re asking someone for an introduction or opinion, then they should have an existing relationship with those you’d like to meet, or be knowledgeable about what you’re talking about.

6. Don’t rule anybody out

Although it’s important to choose suitable contacts, avoid excluding someone just because you don’t think they’ll be able to help. They could surprise you with who or what they know, opening up avenues for you and your circumstances.

To effectively use your contacts to your advantage, you have to genuinely get to know them. The end goal is to connect with specific people within your network, and not just grow it pointlessly.

This article first appeared in jobstore.com.

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