In today's job market, it might not be what you know, but who you know. Being in the right place at the right time can be the direct result of developing and maintaining professional contacts  and relationships. Now, more than ever, networking is a resource professionals need to develop to build their future. Someone you come in contact with today, maybe your professional associate tomorrow.

Networking is an on-going process of building, developing, maintaining and rebuilding relationships that benefit not only you, but also your contacts. Here is how to develop and maintain that network.

• Write down 100 people that you know in your professional and personal life. It could be a co-worker from a job three years ago, a former client who took a new job. Include friends, relatives, previous employers, members of professional associations, and neighbors. This is the beginning of your network, but don't stop there. Think hard about others that you may have exchanged pleasantries with that you might want to add to your network.
• Organize your contacts and maintain those relationships. you don't have to talk with them weekly or monthly, but keep abreast of each other's pursuits, their goals, and occasionally drop them a line.
• When communicating with your network, don't be pushy and focus solely on your needs. You have to give to get, and always ask how you can help your contact with whatever he or she needs
• Seeing the results of your network may take time. Just because you join a group and don't get 15 contacts the first meeting don't get discouraged. Networking is a relationship building  that takes time and effort.
• Respect your network. Just because you consider some member of your network, it doesn't mean they want to be a member of your email joke list. Value their time as you value your time.
• After meeting with a member of your network, especially someone you don't see often, email them a quick not thanking them for their time.
• When you get a new job or promotion, inform your network, but don't forget about them. You never know when you will need them again. Don't forget also to try to help in their advancement if you can. This builds a strong trust in networking.
• Finally always try to add people to your network from all walks of life.

Other Added Ideas From Us with Over 30 years expertise

• When you are networking remember to be respectful & courteous, promptly return calls, emails, or letters.

• Don't brush individuals or their business off, making excuses or not replying, The individual you brush off now or ignore may be a major ball player in a future situation, which in turn will make it even more difficult. First impressions of your image stick with them, and it will be hard to overcome.

• If you are working together in a single or group endeavor, always try to work with others. When others offer their assistance or connections in exchange for having a part in the top headings, or credit, be generous enough to accept their assistance and connections to further all. In most situations it is in the "spirit" of giving with sincerity.

• Do watch for individuals who do not do an equal exchange in networking, promoting business and connections. You will find individuals who will say they want to network with you, and you connect with them only to find it is a one way connection. You are doing all the work, promoting, etc. and they are getting the connection without equal networking for you on their part. Do also watch out for individuals  who if you are not in their group or joining their group lock you out or do not network with you. You will also find groups of individuals who will lock you out and isolate you regardless of whether your in their group or not. These individuals are only interested in their own interests and not your or promoting yours. The person you lock out maybe the next multimillionaire.

• When you do your networking set up several different categories such as close contacts, friends, outside network business associate etc., and list your networking contacts under them.  By setting up categories and making notes on individuals, their potentials, about them and so on, it helps you to sort out your networking contacts dividing them up into close and distant individuals. Never disguard a potential networking individual.

Bernadette & Rose Ann teach networking tips, coaching, classes, lectures and workshops. If you are interesting in having a class, having us speak or do a workshop in the business area, please call Angelic Inspirations at (763) 535-7982