Effective networking enables you to develop contacts with people who: share your personal interests, can help you get closer to your goals or refer you to people and resources that can help you. Here are eight tips that will help you master the art of networking.

Talk to Everyone You Meet. Talk to everyone you meet in professional settings, your place of worship, social functions, on airplanes, on the bus or train and even while you're waiting in line. You never know who you might meet. While you don't want to come across as pushy, there's nothing wrong with striking up casual conversations with a variety of people.

Show Genuine Interest In Others. Really make an effort to find out about other people's interests, hobbies, career aspirations and talents. If you have a contact or resource that could be of help, let the person know about it.

Develop A Thirty-Second Commercial. Be prepared with a short, simple explanation that sums up who you are and what you do. The general idea is to peak the other person's interest, not overwhelm or bore them. Use laymens terms to explain what you do. Keep it short, precise and simple.

Go Through Your Contact List. Go through your contact list and write a few words about each person like: where you met them, what they do, how they can help you and how you can help them.

Connect With People You Admire. A wonderful way for you to develop lasting and mutually beneficial relationships is to connect with people who you respect and admire. People love to talk about themselves. And most people are willing to informally mentor someone who displays a genuine interest in their work.

At Group Events Talk to Someone Who Is Standing Alone. Usually people who attend events by themselves welcome friendly and interesting conversation. Often people standing alone want to talk to someone, but they're too shy to initiate a conversation. Why not get the ball rolling?

Don't Be Afraid to Approach A Group. Although it may seem awkward at first, don't limit your networking opportunities by failing to approach people in groups. You can simply walk up to a group and say, " Hi, I don't know anyone here. May I meet all of you? " Most people will ask you to join their group or introduce you to someone else who is attending the event alone.

Follow-up and Keep In Touch. Meeting someone once is not enough. You need to follow-up with a phone call, note or e-mail and schedule a face-to-face meeting. Networking is only effective if you stay in touch.

Copyright 2001 by Cassandra Mack