How to Network Effectively provides tips for effectively networking to build professional contacts. It recommends having business cards to exchange with potential contacts, attending free networking events in your field, and adding contact information to a spreadsheet. Most importantly, the document stresses the importance of following up with contacts by sending occasional emails to stay memorable and build relationships over time that could lead to future opportunities or assistance when needed.

1. How to Network Effectivelyhttp://www.hollypinafore.org© Danielle Travali, 2010

2. “Make new friends & keep the old”It’s great to have a list of trustworthy, credible people you can turn to for information when you’re writing an article.There are many ways you can network to make new contacts and stay in touch with people you’ve met in the past (at networking conferences, or while waiting in the dentist’s office)

3. Business cards are a MUSTHave a business card. Go to www.vistaprint.com to get free business cards. They only charge you $5.95 for shipping.Business cards should include your name, job title, email, website, phone number and a few words about what you do.You need to have something to hand out if you’re talking to someone at the dentist’s office and they ask what you do for a living. You might say, “I’m a writer. Here, take my card just in case you know anyone who needs a freelancer.”To get your name “out there,” put your business cards in coffee shops, bars, restaurants, on bulletin boards and anywhere people can see them. Scatter them on the ground in random places if you have to!

4. Go to networking events and free expos related to your fieldI’m a foodie, so I go to a lot of food expos and networking events for people who like organic food and healthy living. Most of these are free events. Some charge a fee, but chances are, if you tell the moderator you’re writing an article about the event, they’ll let you in for free.Search the Web for networking events in your area. Bring a pad and pen to these events. Look interested. Ask questions. Smile at people and kindly introduce yourself. Make small talk with people. Give them your business card and ask for theirs. Be enthusiastic about what you do. You don’t have to act like an annoying high school cheerleader, but you should promote yourself and make people know you care about what you do.

5. Add your contacts to a spreadsheetYou don’t need to save all the business cards you collect. Instead, type the information into an Excel spreadsheet and save to your desktop. Every time you get a new contact, add it to the sheet. Go to the next page for an example of what I’m talking about…

6. Sample Excel spreadsheet

7. Keep in touch with your contactsThis is a very important tip. Remember it. Send your contacts a quick “hello” email every now and then to let them know you’re thinking about them. You want people to remember you, so you’ve got to make yourself memorable. DO IT! If you are courteous and friendly to your contacts, they will most likely help when you need a favor. Do not think this is “using” someone…it’s called NETWORKING. Because we’re all on this earth to help each other!