In recent years, various Business networking sites have cropped up over the internet. Sites like LinkedIn, Ryze and the Indian version, Brijj, are all powerful tools to expand your business network. While you are making your profile on one of these networks, be very careful about the content you put on it. No one wants to know how many pet dogs you have. No, all they are interested in is how qualified, experienced and business savvy you are. Don’t hesitate to drop names and show off your achievements and abilities in your profile. In fact, it’s quite de rigeur to actually boast about your business and professional abilities here.

General tips

Whenever you meet someone, exchange business cards.

Always carry a positive attitude and look forward to meeting people. You never know when you may come across someone who may know someone with a job vacancy somewhere. A pen in your pocket and a few business cards in your wallet - that should do the trick.

Don’t hesitate to approach people. Remember that you have nothing to loose.

Don’t hesitate to help others either. It’ll surprise you how well people remember favours.

Preserve your network’s ‘staying power’ by obtaining their personal cell-phone numbers or at least their personal email id’s, just in case they leave their companies and move on to bigger things.

Always stay in touch with everyone in your network through the odd phone-call or a postcard.

And lastly show appreciation for the help you receive, not only to those you help you directly, but also the ones who have contributed indirectly by providing you with the contacts.

So networking is not just about bumping off a few emails and then hoping for the best. It requires time and effort to get results, which are more often the not, surprisingly fruitful. Socialising and communication with people is as much a part of your job as the actual job itself.