RainToday.com Note: This is part two of a two-part series. In this first half, Godbout addressed the misconceptions and excuses that many professional use to avoid networking. Now, Godbout offers some tips and strategies to network easily and effectively.

Networking For Yourself

Remember the first cardinal rule of networking: Building a network equals committing yourself to a sustainable relationship with other individuals. It can take as much time as you decide to spend and is equal to the time you expect prospective clients to spend in gaining access to you. The relationships you build are simply another form of friendship, one in which information is the currency.

Envision networking as a procedure that you control according to rules you set. Recognize and accept that others are also doing the same. Socializing is one thing; building a network of contacts is another. In fact, being successful at socializing is easier—you can be merely amusing. To network, you must be at least partially serious.

Here are some practical steps you can take in building and keeping a network base:

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