1 = Strongly agree
2 = Agree
3 = Maybe, not certain
4 = Disagree
5 = Strongly disagree

1. I enjoy going to business and social functions where I have an opportunity to meet people.
   

   1 2 3 4 5

2. I usually take the initiative in introducing myself to people I don't know.
   

   1 2 3 4 5

3. I enjoy being in groups and actively participating in group activities.
   

   1 2 3 4 5

4. On a scale of 1 to 10, my social skills are at least a "9."
   

   1 2 3 4 5

5. I listen carefully and give positive feedback when someone is speaking to me.
   

   1 2 3 4 5

6. I have a friendly and engaging personality that attracts others to me.
   

   1 2 3 4 5

7. I make a special effort to remember people's names and frequently address them by their name.
   

   1 2 3 4 5

8. I carry business cards and often give them to acquaintances from whom I also collect business cards.
   

   1 2 3 4 5

9. I have a system for organizing business cards I receive, including notes on the back of each card.
   

   1 2 3 4 5

10. I seldom have a problem starting a conversation and engaging in small talk with strangers.
    

    1 2 3 4 5

11. I enjoy making cold calls and persuading strangers to meet with me.
    

    1 2 3 4 5

12. I usually return phone calls in a timely manner.
    

    1 2 3 4 5

13. If I can't get through to someone on the phone, I'll keep trying until I do, even if it means making 10 more calls.
    

    1 2 3 4 5

14. I follow up on new contacts by phone, email, or letter.
    

    1 2 3 4 5

15. I have friends who will give me job leads.
    

    1 2 3 4 5

16. I frequently give and receive referrals.
    

    1 2 3 4 5

17. I have many friends.
    

    1 2 3 4 5

18. I know at least 25 people who can give me career advice and referrals.
    

    1 2 3 4 5

19. I don't mind approaching people with my professional concerns.
    

    1 2 3 4 5

20. I enjoy having others contribute to my success.
    

    1 2 3 4 5

21. When I have a problem or face a challenge, I usually contact someone for information and advice.
    

    1 2 3 4 5

22. I'm good at asking questions and getting useful advice from others.
    

    1 2 3 4 5

23. I usually handle rejections in stride by learning from them and moving on.
    

    1 2 3 4 5

24. I can sketch a diagram, with appropriate linkages, of individuals who are most important in both my personal and professional networks.
    

    1 2 3 4 5

25. I regularly do online networking by participating in newsgroups, mailing lists, chats, and boards.
    

    1 2 3 4 5

26. I regularly communicate my accomplishments to key members of my network.
    

    1 2 3 4 5

27. I make it a habit to stay in touch with members of my network by telephone, email, and letter.
    

    1 2 3 4 5

28. I regularly send personal notes, birthday and holiday greeting cards, and letters on special occasions to people in my network.
    

    1 2 3 4 5

29. I still stay in touch with childhood friends and old schoolmates.
    

    1 2 3 4 5

30. I have a great network of individuals whom I can call on at anytime for assistance, and they will be happy to help me.
    

    1 2 3 4 5

31. I belong to several organizations, including a professional association.
    

    1 2 3 4 5

32. I consider myself an effective networker who never abuses my relationships.
    

    1 2 3 4 5

33. Others see me as a savvy networker.
    

    1 2 3 4 5

____________________________________TOTAL:______

Add up the numbers you circled. If your total score is above 155, you're most likely a savvy networker. If you're below 120, you're probably lacking key networking skills. You need to strengthen them.

Who might be in your network? Develop a list of people whom you can contact for job information and advice. They might include the following:

Friends (see Christmas list)	Ministers/church members
Relatives (close/distant)	Association contacts
Neighbors (current/former)	Club members
Social acquaintances	Direct-sales people
Classmates	Doctor/dentist/optician
College alumni	Lawyer/accountant
Teachers	Insurance agent
Bank managers	Tradespeople
Co-workers	Former employers

SOURCE: Adapted from Ron Krannich, Ph.D., The Re-Entry Employment and Life Skills Pocket Guide (Manassas Park: Impact Publications), pages 30-32. Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.