How to "network"

Networking. It's that buzz word that professionals throw around. You might picture networking as a crowd of suit-wearing people, munching on appetizers and sipping a drink, socializing and eventually exchanging business cards. It’s much more than that, though.

When you think about it, nearly every exchange – even answering a phone call – can be considered networking. You're getting to know new people, and you're exchanging information with them. By making good impressions with these individuals, you can positively expand your network to build mutually-beneficial relationships.

So, how does this networking process work? Here's a simple guide.

1. Meet new people! You can do this in many ways. You can join a professional association, book club or sports group; take a cooking class; go to a party where you won’t know many people. All of these are great opportunities to make new connections.
2. Get to know them. Don’t just have surface exchanges where you forget someone’s name and your eyes go blurry as they explain what they do. Ask about their job and their hobbies. Something as simple as asking about one of their favorite things to do in their city can give you a wealth of information. Oh, and exchange business cards.
3. Wait, you don’t have business cards? Print them. Even if you’re a college student or currently unemployed, print a business card at a local print shop or online at inexpensive companies such as VistaPrint (where sometimes, all you pay is shipping). Include your contact information and major or skills (such as "Joe Schmo, Marketing and Economics Student" or "Jill Hill, International Business Professional").
4. Don’t forget them. If you have poor memory, make some notes on yoiur new friend's business card, in your BlackBerry, on a gum wrapper – whatever. Write it down now, transfer it if necessary, and by all means, remember it later. If you hear of a job opportunity they might be interested or see a movie you are sure they’d love, drop them a quick e-mail. Networking isn’t just about making the initial connection, but building a relationship over time.
5. Follow the golden rule. Always be kind and helpful to your connections. You can offer advice or be a sounding board for ideas. If you have expertise they don’t, you can lend a hand with project they’re working on. Who knows? They could repay the favor by showing you the portfolio that never fails to land them a job and give tips on how to improve yours.
6. Go online (of course). Build connections on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter, and in real life. Keep your profile updated, and post relevant items your contacts will share. If someone posts a question and you can answer, by all means – do it!

Now, get out there and network!