•  Networking your way to success. •  A simple networking exercise to get you started. •  Repeat, repeat, repeat -- and strengthen relationships.

Okay, today we're going to work on relationships. Are you ready?

Completely unscientific studies show that more than half of the people who find a job do it through a person they already know -- amazing.

What's amazing is that it ever happens at all since most people are so reluctant to tell anyone they know that they're looking for work. And the more they need the job, the less likely they are to tell anybody who might actually be able to help.

Part of getting your career in shape is building up your awareness of relationships with people. You need to practice asking people questions and telling them you're looking. It's not weakness -- it's managing your career.

Here's a good exercise. Do this one even if you don't need a job at the moment. Think of the kind of job you want: CEO of a startup? CFO of an Internet hardware maker? Now, think of people you know who currently hold those types of positions. Call up each of them and explain you want.

The people you contact should be senior enough to be plugged in to the business, and also have a real connection with you -- former coworkers or bosses, for example. Don't look for people who would have to try to remember where they'd met you.

Ask your contacts about three things:

1. Jobs

Ask if they have heard about any openings in the industry. If nothing comes to mind immediately, don't think it's because they don't think well of you. Unless your contacts have very recently talked with friends or a recruiter who's trying to fill a specific slot, chances are slim that they may know of any openings.

2. People

Ask your contacts for names of people that might be of help to you. It may be a friend from another company or a recruiter at a search firm. And, of course, ask if you can use their names. Everyone knows someone, so use this to your advantage.

3. Qualifications

Get feedback from your contacts. Ask them what you can do to make yourself a stronger candidate for the kind of job you want. Use this as a test closer If a contact can't think of a single thing that would make a more attractive candidate, or can't think of anyone you can talk to, then he or she isn't in your corner. Thank the person and move on.

If your contacts are interested in you and plans, they will have at least a couple of suggestions. They may suggest you look at a different kind of job, something they think you'd be better suited for, or something that would be good preparation for the kind of job you want. Listen closely because the message behind what they say will be one of three things -- "I believe you can do this now," or "I believe that with some preparation you could do this someday," or "I don't believe this is the right path for you."

Do five repetitions of this exercise. Whatever you do, don't stop after just one, particularly if it's a negative experience. A bad experience could mean you selected the wrong person -- maybe you let hero worship outweigh real connection. By the time you've done this exercise a few times, you will have developed a pretty good picture of the kind of candidate you are for the type of job you want. And, you'll have strengthened your relationships with some people who can help.