10 Steps to Networking Right

10 Steps to Networking Right You need to nurture existing relationship first and foremost.   This will be the foundation you will use to build a larger and more substantive network. How do you nurture these so-called existing relationships? List the people you know.   I mean everyone. Rate your level of relationship with them.   1=not enough, 2=kinda friends, 3=best of friends  Put a keyword next to their name.   This key word will be something you know about them personally and/or professionally.  Begin reaching out to those you ranked 3.  Ask them questions involving that keyword you wrote next to their name.  When asked about what you are up to, ask for specific  advice  and recommendations of people to speak with for more advice.  Follow-up immediately with the leads they give you (dont wait)  Add these new leads to your list of people you know, rate the level of your relationship (1-3) and add a keyword.  Provide feedback to the people who have given you names of contacts after you have connected with their leads.  Now move on to the people you ranked 2 and repeat steps 5-9. Ive met some great networkers along the way.   Ive also met some who make my skin crawl.   The great ones always have a way of putting others first, known as other-centric.   The not-so-great ones have hidden agendas or it is all about them. This should be a continuous loop.   Touch base regularly with all of those people who are in your network. This is the process, my hunch is, you are looking for wording and phrasing to enter into some of these conversations. Need additional reading: Conversations about nothing How to listen interpersonally Will your contact be there when you need them?