Are you a networker?

Ask yourself: What are you trying to achieve? What is your ultimate networking goal? Do you want to gain professional support, greater visibility or valuable information? Are you looking for clients or customers? Are you looking for entry into special circles so that you can expand your area of influence? Or are you scouting around for a mentor or a new job?

Once you know what you want to achieve, join this group. Learn how to target the people, or the groups that contain the type of people, who can assist you in getting where you want to go.

As you create your networking strategy, keep in mind that powerful people are not just decision makers in positions of authority: They are also people known for their skills and expertise, and people with access to information, resources and referrals. Depending on what you are attempting to accomplish, try to align with people whose caliber is as high as yours, but, at the same time, be careful not to overlook people because you have underestimated their potential.

Sometimes the best connections come from the least likely sources; so, remain open to all possibilities.

Please contribute to the group as you can—and enjoy! « less