As the job market continues to improve, your network will be critical to helping you win new opportunities. Demand for recruitment services will grow as companies add jobs, however, finding those opportunities will still be a challenge. To win new business, recruiters will need to actively position themselves to compete for lucrative contracts, and eventually, candidates. The strength of your network could play an important role in your ultimate success. As a result, there’s no better time to revamp your list of personal and professional contacts –- as well as create strategies to build new contacts in the coming months.

At its core, networking is about creating and maintaining relationships. Just like a garden, your network needs continual care and attention to flourish. If you’ve neglected your network, there’s no better time to jump back in the game. Weed through your address book and start calling old contacts. Catch up on what they’ve been doing and let them know what you’re up to. Trade industry news and career info. Think about what you have to offer as well as how you can help them. Remember: networks are a two-way street. Make it a point to help others when and where you can; they will be more likely to help you in your time of need.

After you’ve touched base with old friends and colleagues, its time to start thinking about ways to make new contacts. Set realistic goals for yourself, “this year I will build ten-twenty-thirty new professional relationships.” With eleven months ahead, there’s plenty of time to meet your goals. Be careful not to overextend though. Remember: you want to build ‘quality’ relationships that you have time to cultivate and support. A good rule of thumb on when you’re overdoing it: if you’re collecting a lot of cards, and can’t put a face to every card, you’re probably spreading yourself too thin.

Key to growing your network is to continually find new and inventive ways to meet people. You can make contacts in several different ways: professional organizations, conferences, steering committees. Start a support group or list-serv for people in your niche. Don’t forget about contacts outside work either: volunteer, recreational, or entertainment activities are all great options. One friend of mine makes a point of chatting with almost every person she comes in contact with. The rationale? You never know who could be standing next to you at a banquet or in line at the grocery store. The idea is to expose yourself to as many people as possible, and in the process, open yourself up to new opportunities and experiences.

Another key to networking is to share results. Remember: if someone puts you in contact with another individual, they’d probably like to learn about the result. Not only does general courtesy require a follow-up, but it is also rewarding for the person who helped you to hear what became of the contact. Sharing results is part of the all-important act of “relationship” building. By following-up you show you appreciate the person and the opportunity they created for you. Regardless of the outcome, they’ll be more likely to help you again.

The coming year promises to be the first in many to bring growth opportunities to recruiters. Although the industry is smaller than it was in 2000, some of the toughest and most talented recruiters have hung on. Competition for emerging opportunities will be tight –- making it more necessary than ever to cultivate a strong network. Those who can proactively create opportunities for themselves stand to capture the most lucrative opportunities as they emerge.

Recruiters World Special Reports is a timely, in-depth news series that explores vital issues and trends affecting the human-capital industry. Published monthly, Recruiters World Special Reports is presented and distributed exclusively through Recruiters World in Review. Visit the Special Reports archive to read previous articles. Watch for new articles as they appear on the Recruiters World home page.