8 tips-Take advantage of networking opportunities

1. Follow national and international news. By doing so, you might learn about a trend before others do and, in turn, be able to prepare for a problem or take advantage of an opportunity.

2. Read your local newspaper and, if applicable, local business newspaper to learn about upcoming networking events (e.g., a chamber of commerce breakfast), businesses that are growing, and who’s joining a business or being promoted where he works.

3. Join civic organizations, such as a local chamber of commerce or United Way, and attend their events.

4. Attend events related to your industry, profession, or function. For example, if your business sells electronic medical records products and services, you’d attend a healthcare conference or technology event. If you’re a corporate controller, you might attend a conference for financial professionals.

5. Attend other events, such as attorneys’ and accountants’ business development breakfasts, luncheons, or other meetings.

6. Offer to present at events. Doing so is a great way to increase your visibility and, by doing so, make new contacts.

7. Periodically have coffee or lunch with your contacts—whether inside your organization or elsewhere. Chat about what’s going on at your respective workplaces, who’s moving to another organization, and industry changes.

8. Learn from excellent networkers. If you see someone who networks regularly and effectively, try to learn from this individual’s approach. You might discover one or more new ways to network.