Networking Tips for Career Survival

Networking is about forming sincere relationships, so it requires more than just working a room or doing lunch.

"Networking is about connecting with others in all areas of your life. It's about forming relationships that can benefit you, the other person, your careers and your lives," says Barbara Pachter, author of "When the Little Things Count -- and They Always Count." "These relationships not only connect you with people, but with new ideas, information, better business practices, job opportunities, potential customers and vendors."

Ms. Pachter offers the following suggestions for improving your network.

Build relationships that work

• Form both an internal and external network, because you need both. Your internal network has people within your company; the external one, people at other companies, either in your profession or in related ones.

• Consider developing your network as a part of your job and career, not an add-on if you have time. "Think of it as a way to ensure career stability in uncertain business times," says Ms. Pachter.

• Make an effort to meet new people. Get out of your office and off the telephone. Attend business and social functions. Volunteer at the office, especially for cross-departmental activities. Join company teams.

• Specialize. Become an expert on a particular topic so others will seek you out. Submit articles to your local newspapers, magazines and trade publications.

• Nurture your network. You need to stay in touch with people in your network. Invite them to lunch. Be on the lookout for ways to help them solve problems.

• Prepare your self-introduction before any social engagement. This is your 10-second commercial -- it's your name and two or three sentences summarizing who you are and what you do. Tailor it to each event. Think about interesting topics to discuss.

• Be genuinely interested in others. Listen to what someone else says. Acknowledge you're listening by maintaining eye contact and nodding. "The point isn't to introduce yourself and make a hasty exit," says Ms. Pachter. "The point is to make personal business connections with others."

• Diversify your network. Look for places and events to meet people who are completely outside your immediate profession but are in an area that interests you or who have skills you'd like to have.

• Take advantage of every opportunity. Consider every person you come in contact with as a potential member of your network. "To truly connect with others in a genuine way, you must be open, honest and interested in others," says Ms. Pachter. "Seek help from others, but offer to help in return."