Q. I have read your contributions online for several years now, and I'm interested in getting your advice on how I should make myself known to mid-sized newspapers.

I've worked for this chain for three years, both as a reporter and as an editor, and before that I worked for about three years for a couple of different news publications.

I'd like to get out of this company because everything here is complete chaos, and it is beginning to look like the paper I am working for may end up getting shut down.

I don't want to get caught if someone from corporate comes in and tells my publisher that the show is over. I was in that situation once before, and I would like to avoid a reprise.

What should I do to begin getting contacts in mid-sized papers, and where would you recommend? Most of my reporting background has been in the area of public policy and government, especially in the transportation field.

John

A. You're wise to prepare yourself.

It's time to build a strategic network. Then, keep it up.

I would do all of these things:

• E-mail your existing network to tell people where you are and what you are doing. You may need these people's help and will want to contact them well before you send them a job query.
  
  
• Join a journalism association like Society of Environmental Journalists or Investigative Reporters and Editors. Join associations that have activities in the area where you want to make your move.
  
  
• Attend a convention or seminar that attracts editors from the papers where you want to land. It could be a state press association.
  
  
• Cultivate connections at your target papers, perhaps by using e-mails that seek advice.
  
  
• Start networking online. I use LinkedIn and Facebook, but prefer LinkedIn for your situation.
  
  

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