About a month ago I started a discussion on the NetworkInAustin.com LinkedIn group where I asked: "Is networking in Austin different than networking in other cities?" There were a string of great comments, but the conversation took a turn when a number of individuals expressed their frustration with trying to network when they didn't have a job.

The experiences that these unemployed networkers shared really frustrated me. Obviously there are higher numbers of jobless folks at events these days simply because the unemployment rate is higher than normal, and more and more people are figuring out that relationships built through networking can really make a difference. However it appears that their issues were caused by the way they were treated by other networkers, and had nothing to do with their own actions.

I'm writing this post primarily for a regular business networker who is almost certainly going to have interactions with unemployed networkers.

From what I've observed the problem seems to stem from the short-term me, me, me focus of too many networkers. From their perspective someone who is unemployed has no value because they 1) don't have an income and 2) can't introduce them to their company. This is really an awful outlook and shows why a large percentage of networkers are unsuccessful in their efforts. Attitudes like this hurt them and those who are unemployed.

If you treat an unemployed networker with any less respect than any other person I would consider you a nasty networker.

My view has always been that if you can help someone find a job it's about the highest level of referral you can deliver. How many times do you have an opportunity to refer someone to an opportunity that represents somewhere in the neighborhood of 100% of their income? Last I checked this is a pretty significant impact.

Of course you won't be able to help every person looking for a job that you run across. At the most basic level it's important to apply the golden rule here. If you found yourself without a job and were at a networking event how would you want to be treated? Show everyone you meet some respect. Try to be positive and encouraging in your interaction and look for even a small way that you can help. It's often the smallest actions that make the biggest difference.

Besides, you never know when the person you're talking to today who's looking for a job becomes the most important decision maker in a huge future opportunity.

The best networkers look for opportunities to help those they meet regardless of their circumstance or title. Those same networkers tend to benefit from the most opportunities for themselves. Coincidence?

Happy Networking!