How to Network 101

Ever watch a professional confident person wander round a room effortlessly making conversation with anyone and everyone? Have you always wondered why some people just happen to land a brilliant new job without it being advertised?

It's all about networking and here's how to start.

There's more to networking then holding a bunch of business cards and giving them out, one by one, to any random stranger that walks through the door. Networking is an art, not a science. It takes a plan. And some confidence. Building up a successful network takes time so put your plan in place today. You could be reaping the benefits very soon.

The basic steps to successful networking.

First Impressions Count

No matter what your mum said growing up, first impressions count. Unfortunately there isn't much give or take on this one. Emails, face to face, phone calls ... no matter where your first contact takes place, you will make a first impression.

If your first port of call is an email, make sure you are polite. Read through the email before sending it to make sure it doesn't put the other person off and try to start it with something both of you have in common. It could be the fact that you both enjoy a sport, for example, or maybe you both work in the same industry. Whatever it is, keep it friendly, professional and polite.

Phone calls are similar to emails. Have a quick think before you call about what you're going to say. Think of something you have in common and start with that. It will help 'break the ice' and open up a friendly conversation. Keep it short and sweet.

Face to face is a little different in that you need to consider body language as well as what you're going to say. Firm handshakes with lots of eye contact, firm grip and holding the position for a few moments create the best impressions. Don't 'shake and run' - and don't linger too long. As always, be polite, friendly and professional.

The places to network

A lot of people tend to think that networking is all about wondering round a giant room, seamlessly easing into conversations and generally being the social butterfly. It's enough to make anyone a little nervous. But some of the best situations for networking aren't scary conferences where you don't know anyone - they are the small everyday situations you run into with friends, neighbours and relatives. So start there.

Make a list of people. Think about what they do and some potential benefits. Think about their potential networking circles as well because you may enter some of those as well if you play your cards right.

Organising your contacts

Chances are, over the course of your networking plan, you're going to build up quite a few contacts. And you're going to have a lot of conversations. People are always impressed when someone remembers something about them from a while back - so put yourself in the drivers seat and arrange a way to keep your contacts organised.

PDA's are becoming very popular. Some mobile phones could also do the job or there's always a notepad and pen for those of us that hate the idea of technology.

Jot down contact details, job details, small bits of information for future conversations (e.g. Tom's wife loves horses) that you can bring up and any other information you think might help later on.

It sounds like a lot of work but once you get into the flow of things, it will all come naturally and you'll also find you remember a lot more about other people which is always impressive.

Nurturing relationships

Roberta Matuson, networking expert, writes that 'Like healthy relationships, effective networking is about give and take. Before you make your first phone call or contact, consider what you can offer the other person. It may be as simple as passing on a sales lead or offering to take his child to Friday night football training.'

After a few contacts, don't be afraid to ask for help. People generally like helping other people, but they can't help if they don't know what you need. Just keep thinking 'give and take'. If you offer to help out then by all means, ask for help when you need it.

It's easy to get lazy and put things in coast mode when your network is up and running. But like a garden, your network needs to be nurtured constantly if it is to continue to thrive. A simple email or phone call every now and again should keep things blooming for a long time to come.

Get involved in the community

Becoming active in your community is another great way to build up your network. Volunteer to work on a committee and become visible. Join some clubs and organisations. If you prefer to network online, be an active participant in message boards and chat rooms.

You will soon be known as the person to call when people are networking. One of those callers may have information about a high-level position that just opened up in his company. And you might just be the person for the job.

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If you're willing to put the time in, then networking can have some enormous benefits. A vast number of job openings never make it to the newspaper or job boards. These positions are often referred to as the "hidden job market." Candidates find out about these positions through word of mouth. The higher up the ladder you go, the more likely a position will be filled this way.

Enter networking skills. The higher rungs of management and professions are built on networking skills. But networking needn't be scary. You probably do it day to day without even realising. All you need to do is hone your skills a little and the realms of networking will be well with in your grasp.

If you think about what you've done over the last few weeks, there has probably been a number of networking situations. Did you have a dinner party? Play golf with some friends? Or just have a chat of the side fence to a neighbour? Friendly everyday situations like these can easily be networking opportunities. Some people associate pushy 'sales talk' with networking but some of the best networking situations stem from a friendly chat and don't have to be pushy at all.

Networking can also some other benefits including spicing up your social life and increasing your chances of an invite to that amazing dinner you've heard about in town.

So whether your networking is motivate by your career, social life or desire to build beneficial relationships, taking up a few of these simple steps will have you well on the way to a better network.