The Basics of Professional Networking

One of the most crucial relationship-building tools you can employ in any profession, networking allows you to build a rapport with other professionals. It allows you to forge successful partnerships, and create a visible presence in an individual or business capacity.

To do this, you first need to provide something of value, something relevant to your field or business that will generate interest among your peers. Arm yourself with research before you attend an important conference, so you're ready with a well informed and researched presentation. Or if you are a member of your professional association, or the Rotary Club, for instance, plan to speak in public. This will a long way to demonstrate that keep up-to-date with current developments in your field and reinforce the perception that you are valuable asset in any organization or project.

Another very important part of networking is to identify relevant people. This does not mean that you only befriend people that can benefit you. It does mean that you seek acquaintance and professional relationships with people who are relevant in your field or who are relevant in your town.

The yardstick for measuring whether a person is relevant or not depends on the way things work in a certain profession and the common interests. Thus a person might choose to build his network with people hailing from a certain place in case he wants to build the network locally. In another case he might just choose to create contacts with people associated with your business area.

To source information about these relevant people, talk to people who are already well-networked. You can also glean a lot of information from conversations with other professional, you might well find of relevant people mentioned. And remember to check the newspapers constantly for the leading players in your arena, collecting information as to the "whys and wherefores" they are relevant.

The next step is to contact relevant persons individually. This is usually best done in writing. Send a brief letter about your company or your work, and ask for suggestions. Make sure you can express specifically what you liked about something you saw from this person, and let her or him know you would be interested in meeting at a specific conference or group meeting.

Do not try to be cute or self-depreciating. Also, do not flatter the person or gush about how great they are. Keep the communication to the point and professional. Additionally, do not write in a way that seems to demand a response. Be sure to phrase your letter in such a way that lets the person know you would appreciate some insight or a meeting, so long as it is not an inconvenience. And do not take it personally if you do not receive a response. Most of the time it just means that the person is swamped. You can be polite and introduce yourself if you see him or her at a conference or meeting down the road.

Face to face meetings are always a good idea. Seek out relevant people at conferences and meetings, and make an effort to introduce yourself. If you sent a letter beforehand, this acts as a great icebreaker. A face to face meeting will help you build a network that remembers who you are. And make sure to follow up. Plug members of your network, just as you would like them to plug you.

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Vlad Ehrsam is the chief writer for, and editor of Full Info on Business, visit there today for the latest Business advice, and why not sign up for the free Business newsletter.
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