Seven Important Rules For Networking

1. Ask for Information, Not a Job.
Networking is not about asking everyone you know for a job. As a matter of fact, when you network you should never ask someone for a job. Instead, you ask them for information that will help you in your search. Your goal is to build a relationship and establish rapport so that if a potential opportunity becomes available in the future, you'll be the first person they want to refer.
 
2. Be Considerate of Other's Time.
Any time you have a networking meeting, be sure to have an agenda written up before hand and stick to it. It's hard to ask someone to cram yet another meeting into their already jam packed day, so promise a specific time and don't go over it, even if you haven't covered everything you wanted to.

3. Listen First. Then Ask Questions.
Now that you've successfully landed the meeting, it's time to listen and learn. Since you're asking another person for advice, make sure they have the opportunity to offer it rather than you dominating the entire conversation. To keep the conversation going and to follow your meeting agenda, have a list of strong, open-ended questions prepared.

4. Expand Your Network.
The main goal of networking? To network! Think about it, each person you meet knows 200 or more people. If you can gain contact or introductions to some of them, you quickly increase your own network and therefore your chances of finding the right connection, which is what networking is all about!

5. Follow up.
The key to becoming a great networker is simple: establish a relationship. So, ask the person you're meeting with if you may keep them informed of your search progress. Then, find ways to follow up. For example, if you read an article that pertains to a discussion you had at a networking meeting cut it out and send it to them with a brief note. Try to find at least two to three opportunities per year to reconnect with members of your network.

6. Reciprocate.
Building a network is about creating genuine, caring relationships. Most of the time, politeness and courtesy are all it takes. Thank your contact for meeting with you and mention the specific information they've shared. Then, ask if you can help them in some way.
Maybe your contact is interested in living in an area that you are familiar with. Or maybe he or she has a child interested in attending the same school you graduated from. Share your knowledge! Keep notes on what you learn about your contacts so that future correspondence can have a personalized touch like "How was Jane's first year of school?"

7. Send a Thank You Letter.
Always, always, always thank your contacts in person and also with follow up with a letter. If your handwriting is legible, the personalized touch of a handwritten note is always appreciated, though an email works just as well.

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