In the NETWORKING STRATEGIES GUIDE, I created with friend and colleague David Moore, we listed a section on the benefits of being connected. Here are some that we mentioned:

• Access to unique information
• Access to more opportunities
• Get a job

As an example, I was connected to this entrepreneur in town who was looking to possibly leave the Blacksburg area, but would stay if is wife found a job in computer engineering. I sent the wife’s resume to another contact who was a headhunter at the time. The headhunter was actually trying to fill an open position with Luna Innovations and a match was made. The wife found a job, the entrepreneur stayed in the region and that couple have become good friends. Now, the wife has taken on a new role with the firm and asked for my help in obtaining candidates for the positions below in Blacksburg, VA. 

I urge you to do the same by writing down 2 benefits that you hope to gain through being connected and visualize the results.

If you are interested in any of these positions, then contact the wife and tell her that I sent you.

Administrative Assistant - to provide administrative support to the Chief Operating Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, and perform general office duties in an efficient and professional manner.  Requires strong office skills and knowledge of office procedures, obtained through a minimum of 2 years office administrative support experience.  Strong computer skills including Word, Excel, and Powerpoint required.  Excellent communication skills required.

Senior Contracts Administrator - responsibilities include electronic proposal submission and coordination, and post-award administration of government contracts.  This is a senior level position which requires 5+ years of previous government contract administration experience.  Additional qualifications include ability to interpret complex governmental regulations; strong experience with MS Word and MS Excel; and strong detail orientation and organization skills.  Previous supervisory experience in a Contracts environment preferred.

Senior Mechanical Engineer (Advanced Materials) – to make immediate contributions to current programs requiring the design and optimization of fiber reinforced polymer composite structures.  PhD in Mechanical Engineering or related area with minimum of 2 years post-academic experience, or MS with 4 years experience.  Finite element experience including 2D and 3D models along with experience in composite material fabrication, testing, including data reduction and analysis skills strongly preferred.

Software Engineer (Products) – to be a software lead on development projects that utilize PCs, microprocessors and/or DSPs.  Ideal candidate will have a BS degree with 3+ years experience in GUI and general software development.  Familiarity with MFC, LabView programming and data acquisition systems desired.  Experience with TI C4x and/or C6x DSPs a plus.