The most successful job searches begin while you still have a job. Consequently, the best career building resolution for the economic uncertainty of 2009 is to make an effort each week to strengthen your network of professional contacts that can be helpful if you’re suddenly or unexpectedly in the job hunt.

Nationwide, 80 percent of all jobs are gained through networking. It’s probably higher for director-level and more senior positions. Simply put, networking is the process of building alliances that can lead to everything from new ideas and new strategies to a new job or a board seat. However, successful networking requires self confidence and the ability to stretch your thinking to find common ground with people you may not know well.

Begin the year by making a list of the 50 most important people in your extended professional and personal network. This list should include people who can help identify potential job opportunities or industry trends. Resolve to reach out to one of these individuals each week. Skip networking during vacation and the year-end holidays, but for the remaining fifty weeks of the year, make a connection each week to strengthen your rapport and exchange ideas with one member of your extended professional network.

Sharing information is a good way to reach out. Offer ideas, resources, and contacts that may be helpful. E-mailing interesting news stories, which is easily done from the web sites of national periodicals, is an excellent way to make a connection. The best approach is to treat networking as a two-way street: The more you give, the more you will receive.

If you’re having trouble locating important contacts in your extended network, consider using social and professional networking sites such as LinkedIn and Plaxo. Membership at LinkedIn has increased 36% over the past six months as their clients search by name or company to find old acquaintances.

Finally, if you’re lucky enough to have a job you love, open yourself to the idea of helping others who are less fortunate. Be supportive, return calls, answer e-mails, and help network.

About the author: Jim Carman is a graduate of the MIT Sloan School of Management and a retired Navy Captain. He writes, lectures, and coaches job candidates on interview skills and career building topics. Look for Jim at 703-968-6383 or jacarman@cox.net.