Reprinted with permission from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, originally published on Mar. 19, 2006

By Margo Frey

The value of networking is not limited to people who are looking for a job or trying to get leads for a sale. It is an important skill for learning from others and growing professionally.

    * If you don't already belong to at least one professional organization, join one.
    * If you aren't sure what organizations you'd like to belong to, spend time online or in a library reading about them.
    * Contact the local chapter of each organization that interests you. Request a copy of a recent newsletter and a list of current and past program activities.
    * Ask co-workers and others in your field which organizations they belong to and what they get out of them.
    * Attend one or two meetings of each group you've learned about.
    * If you get nervous at the idea of walking into a room full of strangers, prepare yourself:
    * Fill your business card holder with an adequate number of your cards.
    *  Decide where you will put the cards you receive from others. If you put them in your card holder, you run the risk of giving someone else's card to the next person you meet.
    * Be prepared to stick or pin a name tag to your clothes. Don't wear something that a pin or glue will damage.
    * Place your name tag on the right side of your chest. That makes it easier for people to read when you are introduced.
    * Picture yourself juggling a drink and some food while shaking hands or exchanging business cards. Unless you are unusually adept at such physical activities, it's best to limit what you hold.
    * Overcome nervousness and give yourself a psychological boost by reminding yourself that you already have something in common with those attending the event: You have all chosen the same field of work.



Andrea R. Nierenberg, author of "Million Dollar Networking" (Capital Books, 2005), offers other useful suggestions for preparing for a networking event:

Prepare several opening lines to help you get a conversation going. Practice them in front of a mirror. The best opening lines are open-ended questions that get the other person talking, such as "What brought you to this meeting?" "How does the topic of this program compare to others you've attended?" "What are some of the benefits of membership?"

Prepare a list of "get to know you" questions to help you develop a more personal connection, questions that will help you learn more about the person, not just the professional organization: "Where do you work and what do you do?" "What kinds of projects are you working on?" "What do you like best about your work?" "What do you do in your free time?"

Develop a list of idea-generator topics. Read a newspaper every day to keep up-to-date on current events. Keep a journal of topics you would like to discuss with others. Choose topics that aren't too controversial.

Develop a 30-second infomercial about yourself. Practice it. Ask yourself: "Will my statement encourage another person to say 'Tell me more'?"

People usually won't light up with excitement if you merely state your job title. You need to say something catchy that they'll remember. Describe what makes you unique compared to others who do what you do. For example, instead of saying "I'm a computer consultant," say "I make computers friendly." Instead of saying "I'm a real estate agent," say "I find dream homes for people."

With preparation and practice, you will soon be able to meet strangers comfortably.

Use your prepared opening lines and questions to initiate a conversation during a stand-up reception or at a table. Learn from those you meet and be a resource to them. That's what networking is about.

Review what you've learned about the professional associations whose meetings you've attended. Select one or two that seem particularly promising and join them.

Take advantage of programs and services they offer for newcomers. Volunteer to work on a project or committee. That's the best way to build long-term professional relationships that will pay dividends throughout your career.

Margo Frey, a career counselor and coach, is president of Career Development Services Inc., Milwaukee. Send questions for this column to This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it