How to Network Effectively

Networking can get you a job or otherwise expand your business horizons. The key to networking is taking the initiative ' and refining your conversational skills.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Business Card Holders
• Electronic Personal Organizers
• Personal Organizers

1. Stay in touch with people you like and respect even if they can't help you immediately. You don't want to go to someone only when you are desperate.

2. Talk to people you don't know everywhere you go. Cocktail parties and weddings are just the tip of the iceberg; don't forget about airplane rides, supermarket lines, sporting events, festivals, bookstores and so on.

3. Learn to ask "What do you do?" with comfort, sincerity and interest.

4. Become a better listener. Ask a question and then be quiet until you hear the answer.

5. Practice your own presentaton of your skills. Learn more than one approach, whether frank or subtle.

6. Keep a great updated brochure, business card or other form of information about yourself on you at all times. Get comfortable handing out your card.

7. Take classes to improve your public speaking, body language and writing skills.

8. Join every networking club and association in your field.

9. Follow up on any lead, no matter how minor.

Tips & Warnings

• Make news so you can get your name out there. Be the dog walker who gets on the TV news for organizing the Doggy Olympics.

• Think before you network. Sometimes it's appropriate, sometimes it's not.