eath and taxes are no longer the only sure things in life. Given today's economic picture, we can add a third-job loss.

On average, Americans change jobs about every 4.5 years. And statistics predict that a young person in his 20's just starting out in the job market will have three jobs by the time he turns 30.

Networking today is no longer just a "nice" way to meet colleagues. It's a strategic necessity. If you cannot quickly think of at least 25 people you could call on if you lost your job today, your networking technology is still back in the dark ages. Most new Jobs are found through networking, so let's look at how to build effective networking technology.

1. Build your network before you need it. A common mistake people make in networking is to use it only after they have experienced a job loss. Networking should be a part of everyone's job description. Networking positions you to be proactive in case your industry takes a downturn.

Networking also benefits your organization on an ongoing basis. Networking with colleagues gives you the opportunity to keep pace with changing technology, and to learn how others have solved complex problems or to share creative solutions to issues your organization may be facing.

2. Redefine "networking." Networking means more than outside contacts. Networking within your current organization is equally important in promoting your visibility. Volunteer to serve on task forces, participate in focus groups, and attend employee activities. Use these opportunities to get to know your peers, colleagues and management. These interactions provide informal settings in which to subtly toot your own horn. Talk about innovative strategies for dealing with everyday workplace problems, new approaches to quality efforts or customer service issues. Showcase your knowledge of the issues facing your organization and the industry.

3. Networking is a shared responsibility—not a one-way street. It should an exchange of information. Before you call on someone with whom you wish to network, be able to articulate why the meeting would be mutually beneficial. Look for common interests, experiences or shared acquaintances. A word of caution: Never call someone and say you "want to network with them."

4. Use professional organizations as career ladders. These organizations not only provide a steady stream of people with whom to network, but getting involved can improve and enhance managerial or leadership skills. Professional organizations rely on volunteers within their membership ranks for tasks ranging from serving as officers to designing conference agendas. Look at these volunteer opportunities as unpaid career ladders. Serving as an officer, board member, speaker or meeting planner expands your networking base as well as providing you with leadership opportunities perhaps unavailable within your job. This is also another avenue to network and expose your expertise, knowledge and talents within the community. Networking is a numbers game: The more exposure you have, the more contacts are available to you.

5. Maintain a networking and contacts list outside your office. It is not uncommon anymore to report to work and find that your position has been restructured out of existence. Along with the job loss, you may lose access to valuable networking information critical to launching a new career search. Maintaining a duplicate set of your networking contacts at home can save endless hours of research and frustration.

Like friendships, networks have to be nurtured. Networking competes with other obligations in today's fast-paced world, and you may tend to relegate it to the back burner. But it can be one of the most powerful professional tools at your discretion. If you have an existing network, make at least one call today. If you don't have a network, resolve now to build one.

Take the following steps immediately: Call someone within your company and share an idea over coffee, or solicit advice on a workplace problem. Find out the next meeting for a professional organization in your field and plan to attend. Meet at least five new people and use their business cards to begin your networking data bank.

If employment is a nicety, then networking is a necessity. Reach out and touch someone today!