Professional networking is getting known by those who can help you advance your career or business.

Professional networking is creating positive momentum toward your career or business.

Professional networking is connecting with business contacts and developing new opportunities through professional friendships and associations.

Professional networking is building and nurturing long term relationships.

Professional networking is a people resource bank that pays interest and dividends on your investment as long as you keep the account open.

At a minimum you need to spend 5 hours weekly networking, if you are in an active career search I would recommend at least 10 hours.  You should try to establish at least 10 new contacts each week.

Here are some questions to help you get started:

• Where do I network now?
• Where should I be networking?
• Where do the people I need to know network?
• What are three organizations I can join that will help me network?
• How many hours a week should I network?
• Who are 5 to 10 people I need to meet?
• Am I ready to start networking?
• What am I telling people when I meet them?
• Is my personal introduction succinct and positive?
• Do I do a good job listening to people when they talk to me?
• Do I go out of my way to meet new people?
• Do I have way to keep track of new contacts?

Dynamics of professional networking:

• In a group observe the group to identify people you already know.
• Spend 75% of your time with people you don’t know
• Spend 25% of your time with people you already know.
• Don’t be quick to share your life story.
• Establish rapport with your new connections by finding common interests.
• Offer your business card first.
• Make quick notes on back of their business cards to help you remember them.  Keep good records for future contacts.