Memory Joggers
This memory joggers sheet is a tool that will help you develop a networking list for your job search. It takes time to jog your memory and using this worksheet will help you to go through the process. If you believe networking is important for your job search, then you want to spend the time to develop your list of contacts to network. Be teachable, go through this step and you’ll be happy to did as you network yourself to your next job.
Here are a couple tips before you get started:
Don’t shortcut this process - Our natural tendency would be to skip over some of these topics thinking you do not know anyone with that backgroud. Be sure and spend adequate time in each area and category of the memory jogger worksheet to help you think of everyone in your network.
Write every name down - Experts estimate it is possible for most adults to generate a list of 500 or more contacts. At this point, don’t think about how this person can help you in your job search. For now, just focus on gathering as many names as you possible can. We’ll talk about how you use them later.
Don’t do this alone – This process is much more effective if you can do it with a friend or family member that you know well. If you are able to partner up, then do it in person rather an over the phone.
Invest the Time – This is the most important activity you will do in the beginning of your job search. Therefore, spend the time necessary in order to develop your list. We recommend that you spend 3-5 hours over a couple of days at a minimum. Once you start recalling contacts from your memory, the recall process will continue for the next few days.
One Master List – As you go through this process, it is important you compile these names into one master list we call the Contact Tracking Log. This will be important later for when you prioritize and determine how to re-connect with your network.
Your ready to go so let’s get started!
“Your Rolodex and Existing Lists”
Let’s start with the most logical place first! Perhaps you already have a place where you store your network like a card file or day planner with contacts.
· Christmas card list
· Contacts directory from Microsoft Outlook or another email program
· Your email inbox and outbox from the last 24 months
· Wedding invitation list or other party list
· Homeowners association directory
· Cell phone directory (charge your old cell phone and look there too!)
· Business conference attendee listing
· Online business and social networks (ex. LinkedIn, Facebook)
Money
Use the "Follow your Dollar" strategy to come up with names of people you’ve paid in the last couple of years. Look for the individual and not the business where you spent the money. You can review the last 12 months from your checkbook, bank statements, credit card statements, or online bill pay program. Who do you know that is a…
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Memory Joggers
o Insurance Agent
o Car Mechanic
o Realtor
o Doctor
o Accountant
o Dentist
o Exercise Trainer
o Financial Planner
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Memory Joggers
As you look back at past bank statements, think about who was with you when you made the purchase. For example, you had lunch with a friend from high school…put them on the list!
Calendar
Use your old calendars to review past meetings and appointments. Think about who was with you at each appointment or events over the past year or two. Who do you know that was at the…
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Memory Joggers
o Work meeting
o Meeting with a vendor or supplier
o Meeting for major projects
o Non-profit meeting
o Meeting at your church/synagogue
o Homeowner’s association meeting
o Kids sporting events or scout meeting
o Neighborhood social events or superbowl party
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Memory Joggers
Phases of Life
Break your life down into its different phases or milestones. As you think about each period, list the people who were with you during each phase. Who do you know from…
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Memory Joggers
1. High school (reunion)
2. Sports, clubs, extra-curricular activities
3. College
4. Summer Jobs
5. Vacations
6. Mission/service trips
7. Internships
8. 1st job, 2nd job, etc.
9. Post-graduate education (instructors, classmates, counselors)
10. Weddings
11. Children’s parents
12. Challenging times (accidents, illness, financial challenges, divorce, etc.)—who was there
13. Home renovation projects…who remodeled the kitchen, or built the deck
14. Promotions & achievements, reaching milestones in your life or career
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Memory Joggers
Categories of People
1) People who care about you
List all the people who really care about you. Start with you direct and indirect family members.
2) People you care about
Who do you care about and want to see be happy and succeed?
3) People who share your ideals, interests, or hobbies
Who do you know that’s in your rotary club, church, or business association?
4) Business owners you may know
Business owners, especially small business owners will often help you meet your goals and are well-networked within their own business. Do you have any friends that own a small business?
5) Stay at home moms & dads
Many professionals leave their jobs and careers to spend time with their family. These stay-at-home parents may be able to give you great business contacts from their past careers, along with their spouse’s connections.
6) People at places
Run through all the places where you have lived (old neighbor), attended seminars, or visited. Make a list of contacts you know from those locations.
List
Now, let’s see who you know that is a(n)...
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Memory Joggers
P Accountant
P Actors, producers, directors
P Advertising, marketing, PR
P Aerospace engineers
P Aircraft pilots-flight engineers
P Anesthesiologist
P Animal care
P Animal trainer
P Animator
P Announcers
P Antique dealer
P Appraisers
P Arbitrator
P Architects
P Archivists, curators, museum
P Art & design
P Artists
P Athlete/coach/referee/trainer
P Audiologists
P Author
P Automotive body/service
P Aviator
P Banker, bank teller
P Barber/hair stylist
P Barista (might be a retired CEO)
P Bartender
P Baseball players
P Basketball players
P Bible study members
P Bill collectors
P Biochemists
P Biographer
P Biological scientists
P Bookkeeper
P Bookseller
P Boss, current and past
P Broadcast sound engineering
P Broker
P Builder
P Business analyst
P Business owner
P Business partner
P Cabinetmaker
P Caddy
P Calligrapher
P Cameraman
P Cardiologist
P Cardiovascular MD or tech
P Cargo & freight agents
P CEO (Chief Executive Officer)
P CFO (Chief Financial Officer)
P Chairman of the Board
P Chairman School Board
P Chaplain
P Chefs, cooks
P Chemist
P Chief of police
P Childcare workers
P Chiropractors
P Christmas list
P Civil engineer
P Civil servant
P Claims adjusters
P Clinical psychologists
P Coast guard
P College president
P Comedian
P Composer
P Computer IT managers
P Computer programmer
P Computer systems analysts
P Conductor (music)
P Construction manager/worker
P Consultant
P Controller
P Copywriter
P Coroner
P Corrections officer
P Cosmetologist
P Counselors
P Court reporters
P CPA
P Curator
P Custodian
P Customs officer
P Dancers and choreographers
P Dental assistant/hygienists
P Dentist
P Designer
P Desktop publishers
P Dietitians and nutritionists
P Diplomat
P Director
P Disc jockey
P Doctor
P Economist
P Editor
P Education administrators
P Education, training, library
P Educator
P Electrical engineer
P Electrician
P Embroiderer
P Emergency med tech (EMT)
P Entertainer
P Entrepreneur
P Exterminator
P Farmers/ranchers
P Fashion designer
P Fraternity member
P FBI agent
P Figure skaters
P Film director/producer
P Financial Adviser, Planner
P Financier
P Fire fighting occupations
P Fire marshal/officer/fighter
P Fisherman
P Fitness workers/trainers
P Flight attendant
P Flight engineer
P Flight instructor
P Flight technician
P Florist
P Forester
P Funeral directors
P Game designers
P Game developer
P Gardener
P Geographer
P Geologist
P Geophysicist
P Golfers
P Government agent
P Graphic artist
P Graphic designers
P Gymnasts
P Gynecologist
P Has a great job
P Headmaster
P Healthcare occupations
P Heating/air-conditioning
P Herbalist
P Historian
P Host/hostess
P Hotel/motel management
P Human resource occupations
P Hunter
P Illustrator
P Importer
P Instructor
P Insurance sales agents
P Intelligence officer
P Interior designer
P Internist
P Interpreters and translators
P Interrogator
P Interviewers
P Inventor
P Investment analyst/banker/broker
P Jewelers
P Job seeker
P Journalist
P Judges, magistrates
P Karate instructor
P Kinko’s staff
P Landlord
P Landscape architects
P Law enforcement agent
P Lawyer
P Lecturer
P Librarian
P Life/business coach
P Linguists
P Loan officer
P Lobbyist
P Magistrate
P Mail carrier
P Make-up artist
P Manager
P Marketing director
P Massage therapists
P Mathematician
P Mechanic
P Media/communications-related
P Medical & health services
P Medical assistants
P Medical records occupations
P Meeting & convention planners
P Mentored you
P Met on a plane
P Meteorologist
P Military Leader
P Model
P Mortician
P Movie actors
P Music director
P Museum occupations
P Musicians, singers
P Negotiator
P Neighbor
P News analysts, reporters
P Notary
P Nurses
P Obstetrician
P Occupational therapist
P Office Depot/supply
P Optometrists
P Orthodontist
P Orthopedists
P Painters & paperhangers
P Paralegals & legal assistants
P Pediatrician
P Personal and home care aides
P Personal Trainer
P Pest control
P Pharmacist
P Photographer
P Photojournalists
P Physical therapist
P Physician assistant
P Physicians
P Plays a musical instrument
P Plumber
P Podiatrists
P Police & detectives
P Politician
P Postal service workers
P President of the board
P President of the school board
P Priest
P Principal
P Private detectives
P Professional athlete
P Programmer
P Project manager
P Property association managers
P Psychiatrist
P Psychologist
P Public Relations
P Public Speaker
P Publisher
P Race driver
P Radiologist
P Real estate brokers/agent
P Real estate developer/investor
P Recently changed jobs
P Receptionists
P Recreational therapists
P Relatives—make a list
P Religious leader
P Reporter
P Respiratory therapist
P Sales and related occupations
P School principal/superintendent
P Screenwriter
P Sculptor
P Secretary, admin. assistant
P Securities, commodities
P Security guards
P Sorority member
P Sheriff
P Singer/songwriters
P Sound technician
P Speech therapist
P Sports announcers/writers
P Stockbroker
P Store Manager
P Student
P Surgeon
P Surveyors
P Teachers
P Television actors
P Television reporters
P Tennis players
P Therapist
P Trademark attorney
P Translator
P Travel agents
P Tutor
P Veterinarians
P Video-editor
P Waiter/Waitress
P Web designer
P Webmaster
P Wedding planner
P Wine connoisseur
P Writers & editors
P X-ray technician
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Memory Joggers
Ideas to Build Your List
Try these ideas to develop more contacts. Make sure you have business cards handy.
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Memory Joggers
P Google your name. The results might jog your memory
P Offer to help someone
P Attend trade shows
P Take adult education classes—you could add a new skill for your resume’
P Frequent new businesses
P Attend parties
P Attend charity functions
P Join a gym/health club
P Go to different restaurants
P Join community organizations Rotary/Kiwanis/Lions Clubs
P Chamber of Commerce meetings
P Attend professional networking groups
P Ask associates for introductions
P Listen, listen, listen
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Memory Joggers
Build a Strong Circle of Contacts
Select people from your contact list and build a strong job-seeking circle. Building this group is more about reconnecting with old contacts than trying to develop new contacts. Now is the time to cultivating your existing relationships with people you know and trust you. These people will develop confidence in you, and are willing to give you their most coveted referrals and recommendations. Focus on how you originally connected with them, be sincere about your relationship and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
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