I started out writing this article thinking everyone was included. But, the more I wrote, I found myself leaning toward introverts. I didn’t mean to, as I am an ambivert. 

First of all, if you attended high school, university or college, I am sure you have heard the topic of networking, everything down to keeping a handkerchief in your hand if your hand is sweaty and needing to shake hands. 

My favorite networking advice is to connect using LinkedIn. I highly recommend the website to anyone. I was having no luck, but kept at it for a while and saw a connection’s place of employment. I asked her questions about the website. She was very kind. I thought to myself that maybe, just maybe, I would be good for the position. Thus, I obtained a book reviewer opportunity.

Say thank you even if you do not receive a reply. After over a year of applying to a job, I recently got an invite to a position to another website. They remembered me. 

If you get a telephone call, smile. Years ago, when I was a secretary, I was told to smile while talking on the telephone. Even the person on the other end of the telephone can tell if you are smiling.

Pay it forward. Remember how hard it was for you to find a position. Believe me, I know. I was once one of them. Say something kind and be a reference for another person. Endorse their skills. However, do not spoon-feed them. They need to do their part too. 

Find a mentor. Join a writing group, whether from a school, library, on-line, etc. Once finding friends, stay in touch on-line or throw get-togethers. 

Have business cards printed and ready. You never know who you are going to meet day-to-day. Place them on community billboards, at the library, post office, etc. 

Clean up your act on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. Make your social media professional but not fake.  However, let people know the real you.

Don’t make a script, but know what you need to say. Ask questions. Listen. Practice with a friend. 

If invited to a video meeting, also have a friend close by for moral support. Have a tidy background for the webcam and a casual but professional appearance. 

Focus on your strengths and passions. People know when you are fired up about a topic and speak your mind.

Create a blog. This can be done for free and lets the whole universe know about you. How hard can this be? 

Obviously, send out that ever blessed cover letter and resume for yourself. Be unique in your resume. Go to your local library, check out some resume examples and tweak so that your resume is one-of-a-kind and/or outstanding.

You may know these tactics already with having common sense. But, some people are book smart without common sense and need to be reminded. This is for you, kid! Think of this as a cheat sheet or cliff note.