I just stumbled upon a book on networking called The Frog and Prince: Networking for business and life by Rezac and Donahue; the book's title and content gave me pause.

N= never leave home
This is SO vital for job seekers. Time and time again, when I have asked clients/job seekers about their weekly job search activity, invariably, they rely exclusively on electronic means to apply for jobs. STOP relying on this ineffective strategy. You MUST connect with people to get you closer to your goal (following up with a contact, getting an interview, etc). Sure, it is so convenient to stay in your comfort zone and not leave your domestic zone. At the very least, arrange at least one job search activity daily that involves contact with others.

T=travel in pairs
Especially for those who are shy, introverted, disconnected, etc. When networking, call up a friend or acquaintance who may be experiencing job loss (perhaps someone you met recently at an event, volunteering or job club). Find an "accountability partner," as social media/career expert Keith Keller mentions in one of his podcasts (careersuccessradio.org). Your confidence will see a boost straight away! And never forget that potential employers are evaluating the company you keep, so if you are connected with others online, make sure that their reputation is intact and credible. Potential employers are increasingly evaluating the company you keep, on and off line!

W=working the pond
Push the envelope. If you have trouble with working your contact, ask your trusted contacts how THEY got their job or started their business. I GUARANTEE it was not as a result of inactivity. This means activity related to selling yourself as a product and making a transition from job seeker to SOLUTION BUILDER. The difference is immense. Go on community websites to check out events (remember, weak links are invaluable in gathering contacts) or go online to a site like http://www.meetup.com/
to connect with others in your industry. Created a linkedin.com (75 million users and growing), and check out groups and comment on forum links to gain knowledge. You will generate valuable information that will propel your job search. The social media web site http://www.facebook.com/ is useful for connecting with people you have not connected with. There is a feature on Facebook which allows you to connect with likeminded people who share your interests, expertise, etc.

O=opportunity is everywhere
See the latter point when I mentioned "weak links." The people you would LEAST expect may be the quintessential missing piece of the puzzle. Opportunity is omnipresent: from hockey rinks, to soccer fields, to volunteering, to temporary employment. Don't leave a stone unturned. Focus on connections that will help you achieve your goal (ie gainful employment, self-employment, etc).

R=repeat
Keep your momentum going. Making the transition from unemployment to employment may not happen overnight, but it is essential to record your successes and milestones. In other words, create a tracking system to focus on what is going WELL in your job search, not what is implicity unsuccessful (i.e. an exclusively electronic job search).

K=keep it going
Successful people in history have invested in activity have witnessed success after a series of setbacks, failures, etc. Similar to the last point, evaluate what needs to be improved in your job search. Refocus and then charge on! Take risks. The reality of risks gets you closer to success. To find out the value of risks, check out my article," Taking risks: what the ancient Romans can teach us" on http://www.careerealism.com/ or http://www.secretsofthejobhunt.com/

Until the next time!
Melissa Martin, bilingual career coach and ebook author, How to use social media in your job search, http://www.careercoachingbyphone.com/