You want them to be used to hearing from you and to view you as a positive contact in their life. Then, when you need to look for opportunity, your email isn't only welcome; it's more apt to be acted upon. There's an adage related to opportunity and advancement that I view as largely incorrect. I'm sure you've heard it before. It says, "It's not what you know, it's who you know."

The negative perspective is that people who know nothing get ahead based on inside relationships only. I've modified the adage to one that's more positive and realistic.

"It's not who you know, but who knows you and knows what you know."

You see, you must both know something -- perform -- and make sure others know what you know. This idea results in a greatly expanded sphere of influence. When one of your contacts is in a meeting -- unknown to you -- and the person they're meeting with explains a particular talent need -- your talent -- you want your name to be the next one that comes up. This occurs only when those you know, know what you know.

Adopting these ideas and strategies into your career development toolkit will make you a low-risk proposition. And that's good for you and your prospective employer.

Matthew Moran is owner and founder of The Talent Consortium, an Arizona- and California-based consultancy, and is Director of Business & Technology Services for N'Genuity. He's authored numerous articles on scripting, professional development, and is the author of The I.T. Career Builder's Toolkit: The Insider's Guide To Building Your Technology Career In Any Economy.