NETWORKING TIPS

Prepare a 30-second introduction.

Write a summary of what you want people to know about you that can be delivered in 30 seconds or less.  Make it upbeat and brief:  who you are, what you do and what you are looking for.  Include something that will help people remember you.  Practice your introduction in front of a mirror or with a friend so you're ready for your next networking event or casual introduction.

Start close to home.

You know more people than you think you do.  And the people you know also know others.  So get the word out that you are looking for a job or just looking to meet people in your field.  Tell your friends, neighbors, classmates, former classmates, teachers, clergy, etc.  If you're looking for a job, be specific.  Let them know what kind of position you're looking for.  Keep in touch with your classmates.  They may be some of your best contacts later.

Keep a Rolodex or notebook of everyone you meet.

It's important to keep track of the people you meet.  You can flip through a Rolodex, enter everything into a Palm Pilot, designate a notebook or just use index cards.  Use whatever works for you, but be sure to keep track of everything.  Save all the business cards you receive during your networking.  Write down the date of each interaction with each person: when you called or met with them, when you sent them a resume, etc.  If you met someone through a mutual acquaintance, keep track of who introduced you. 

Show interest in others.

To make a lasting impression, focus on the other person.  They will remember you for having shown a sincere interest.  You'll also learn by listening to them talk about their business experiences and interests. 

Be a good listener.

Even if you're not great at small talk, you can build a great network by honing your listening skills.  Everyone loves to talk about himself or herself, and other people's experiences are a great way to learn about a career or company.  Just as a few key questions like, "What do you do exactly?" and "How did you get started in that field?"  You can also ask if they have any tips for you as you build your career.  This can be a great way to get referrals to other people or companies. 

Find a reason to call.

It's hard to call someone out of the blue, especially if you're calling to ask for their help with your job search.  Find articles online, in newspapers and in business magazines that you might be able to recommend to a few key contacts.  Call with a casual, "I saw this article and thought you might be interested."  This will allow you to begin a business conversation and provides the perfect opportunity to mention your job search.

Use your alumni association.

College alumni often go un-used as a networking resource.  They can be a great career connection, and there's an automatic conversation-starter in your mutual alma mater.  The alumni association also frequently hosts social and networking events.  If you haven't already done so, join the alumni association.  If you've joined, be an active participant!

Do your homework.

If you know you're going to be speaking to someone or meeting someone new, do your homework!  Review your Rolodex cards to check for mutual friends or interests.  Research what's going on in his or her company.  Prepare some conversation topics in case you run out of things to talk about.

Follow through.

Nothing kills a new relationship faster than failure to follow through.  Send a thank-you note (or e-mail) after every meeting, particularly if you initiated the meeting.  Send thank-you notes any time anyone goes out of their way to help you.  If you say that you will contact someone or do something, make sure you do it in a timely and professional manner.  Keep your contacts abreast of your activities.  If you've been job hunting and find something, thank your contacts for their assistance.  Extend an offer of help if there is anything you can do in the future.

Maintain your network.

Networking is not only important when you're job hunting.  Remember, the majority of jobs go unpublished.  Exciting opportunities may come up at anytime.  And if you've been collecting a good network, you'll have plenty of contacts already established when you are looking for a new job.

Networking tips adapted and expanded from The Wall Street Journal's CareerJournal.com and WomenForHire.com