For some people (full disclosure: "some people" includes me), "networking" is a scary word. It means going to events full of people who know each other and not seeing a single familiar face. It means introducing yourself to strangers and making small talk. It means talking about yourself and your interests in a concise and intelligent way. It's all so overwhelming. But it doesn't have to be!

Networking is an essential part of the job hunt because, as career management professional Kim Bethke said, "You're more likely to hire somebody you know than somebody you don't." Bethke would know — she works for Resume Solutions (resumesolutions.ca), a company that helps people find jobs.

"I've never gotten a job that hasn't come from a personal relationship," added Danielle Restivo, head of global programs, corporate communications at LinkedIn. "I've never applied to a job posting in my life. My career, since I graduated, has been based on people who I've known who have made an introduction for me. This is why I came to work at LinkedIn: I really, truly believe in the power of networking."

"Networking is a give and take, it's not just a take," she continued. "Anytime anyone's networking, they should always be thinking about how they're going to help that person in the future … That's going to mean your network is strong and positive and not just a situation where you're trying to meet as many people as you can to use them for your own benefit." There are a few things to keep in mind whether you're networking online or in person.

ONLINE
LinkedIn is one of the best online tools for networking and meeting professionals in your industry. Some HR recruiters even use sites like LinkedIn to find suitable candidates for jobs, whether or not those candidates are actively seeking work, said Restivo.

Though a LinkedIn profile may resemble the resume you use to apply to jobs, it's actually "a lot richer" than a traditional resume, said Restivo. "Your LinkedIn profile allows you to add in as much information as you want, but you also get that interaction. You can have people write you recommendations right on your profile." You can add a list of skills to your profile to show off what you can do, and your classmates and colleagues can endorse your skills.

There are a number of things you should do when working on your LinkedIn profile, said Restivo. First of all, customize your URL for your profile - it's easy to include in your email signature and on your resume. Writing in your headline that you're job searching (e.g. 'Recent graduate seeking media relations position') will let employers know you're available. Including a photo on your profile will give you credibility (and allow people to put a face to your name). A strong summary statement that talks about what you've accomplished since you've been in school and what you'd bring to the table will also make you more attractive to employers. Filling out details about what you accomplished at each of your jobs makes your profile much more likely to be viewed.

LinkedIn isn't all about your profile, though. You can also use LinkedIn to research a company you're interested in working for. A company's LinkedIn page may include a jobs page, so you can be notified when your dream job opens up. You can also use this page to see who works at the company, and see if you have any connections in common, as well as looking at their career path to see what you can do to make yourself a more viable candidate when a position opens up.

Though LinkedIn could be described as a "professional Facebook," you have to be a lot more careful about whom you connect with. Good connections include your classmates, your professors, co-workers at internships, or even friends of your parents. Bad connections are people who add no value or who could be a risk to your reputation, Bethke said. "In my book, connections are individuals that either you can help or can help you."

When you connect with somebody new, always provide a personal note with your professional outreach, added Restivo. "For example, if you met someone at an event, say, 'It was a pleasure meeting you last night at XYZ networking event, I really look forward to speaking with you in the future.' It really goes a long way and it makes you memorable."

Now is the time to start working on your LinkedIn profile. "It's something that a lot of people think about after they've graduated and gotten a job; you should be thinking about it before you graduate and enter the workforce. The more you can lay that foundation now, the better off you'll be," said Restivo.

IN PERSON
There's always something going on in London — whether they're official networking events, mixers or just groups of people who meet to talk about their interests, events are a great way to expand your professional network.

"Start small," suggested Larissa Campbell, a student services specialist in Fanshawe's Career Services department. "I wouldn't start by going to an event where there's going to be thousands of people, unless you're going with somebody who may be able to introduce you to people there. If you have a connection you're already close with, that might be a way to get the conversation going." She suggested checking out the Student 2 Business event on March 6 — your classmates, professors and other people from the Fanshawe community will be attending too, so you won't feel completely alone.

Another place to start networking is at Emerging Leaders mixers, which take place every few months. "Those are really great opportunities to meet people from a number of different industries (with) no agendas. We just come in, say, 'Hey, this is who I am, it's great to meet you, let's talk,'" explained Sean Quigley, executive director of the group. "The stronger your ties are with the greater community — whether it's in terms of business or social — it all comes back and will help you create a presence in this city, get noticed, get to the places you want to be."

When you're introducing yourself to someone new at a networking event, focus on what makes you different from the next person — what are your special skills, interests and goals? Keep it concise and tailor it to each person you meet. Don't walk around with a pitch, walk around and meet people, stressed Quigley. "Be who you genuinely are. Don't try to be somebody you're not."

Although it may feel overwhelming to walk into a room full of strangers, the event will be easier if you come up with a concrete goal for what you want to accomplish. If you're at the event with that one goal in mind, the whole event becomes much more manageable.

Keep in mind that every event does get easier; you'll meet people who will introduce you to other people, and you'll create what Quigley calls a "spiderweb." "You know how you see a spiderweb in the morning and it's got these little dewy points, it looks all glisten-y and sparkly? That's exactly what you're doing — you're creating these connections to each other."

After the event ends and you go home with a pocket full of business cards, it's important to follow up. Get in touch with the people you've met and meet with them to chat over coffee for an informational interview, suggested Quigley. Ask about volunteering opportunities, internship opportunities and "create those opportunities for yourself."

Networking doesn't only happen at mixers or professional events. There are tons of groups in London that offer a lot of fun in addition to the opportunity to meet some of London's most connected professionals. Check out Pints and Politics (citizencorps.ca), Geek Dinner (gdldn.com), Young Professionals Group (ypglondon.ca) or London Creative Network (londoncreative.net). For a large list of groups in the city, check out londonftw.ca.