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Networking can seem insincere, pretentious, or even manipulative. There will always be people who judge others based on image and titles, but there are also people who want to build genuine, mutually beneficial relationships. When you’re networking, you’re going to have to sift through the people you don’t want to know to get to the people you do want to know. That’s just an essential part of networking, but the good news is that with practice, you’ll get better at spotting the people worth knowing.

Everyone knows that networking is valuable. But, how do you create one? You probably already have an informal network, you just don’t know it. They are your friends who tell you where things are on sale, co-workers who recommend schools for your children. Your goal is to expand your network and to make it work for you.

Awareness Calling Cards Pink is the color for Breast Cancer awareness. It’s also a great color for style! Frame your contact information in one of these two great pink color combos.

Mom’s Calling Cards Sports These cards are ideal for busy moms and are perfect for networking with other parents involved in your children’s activities. They are great for organizing carpools, play dates and team practice easier.

Networking does require a degree of boldness and some people who are shy and self-conscious tend to be a lot more open and talkative when they’re doing or talking about something they’re deeply interested in. If you find people who are just as obsessed with similar interests, then you’ll have a much easier time establishing connections.

Networking takes time and effort, one way to think of it is to imagine how much time and frustration you would save if anything you wanted or needed was just one or two phone calls away. Ultimately, a network can be an investment, with benefits that outweigh the costs. You just need to stick with it and watch it grow.

Tailored Strip Calling Cards Tailored stripes form a tasteful border for your contact information. They are perfect for busy moms, business professionals, or retirees on the go.

Strengthen your existing connections. Getting in touch with old friends, distant relatives, and people you went to school with can be a good stepping stone because you’re reaching out, but you’re not approaching complete strangers.] Give them a phone call or send them an e-mail to find out where they are and what they’re doing. Tell them what you’re up to.

Pursue interests and activities that mean a lot to you.

Go to work-related conferences. Order business cards and give out as many as you can. Ask the people you meet for their business cards, and write any details about them on the back once you have a moment to spare.

Black Frame Calling Cards have a dramatic black border that frames your information in a crisp clean professional quality. These calling cards are perfect for networking and new business.

Diamond Calling Cards A faceted diamond design against a blue stripe adds a touch of class to these White calling cards. They’re perfect for moms, business professionals, or retirees on the go.

Initial Business Cards These personalized cards will help show that your business will reflect your independent spirit and stand out from the crowd.

Don’t ever apologize when asking for a favor or help. It can signal a lack of confidence and professionalism.There’s nothing to be sorry about you’re just seeing if anyone happens to be in a position to help you; you’re not making demands, or forcing people to do anything that they don’t want to do.

Try to volunteer in a high-profile capacity that will showcase your skills such as organizing a fundraiser or making speeches for the organization. There isn’t any better way to meet community leaders. Polish a reputation for being the go-to person in the organization who can get difficult jobs done.

Contribute to your community in as many small ways as you can to get your name known. If you can’t give cash, give a sample of your skills. Either of these methods will do a lot for your image and increase networking opportunities.

Do favors regularly for people in your network. Then, when you need something done they will be receptive to helping you.

Attend professional and trade meetings in your field to meet new people.

Write thank you notes to everyone who helps you out in any way. This will set you apart as a true professional.

Keep business cards and contact information in an organized, safe place so you can refer to them when you need them.

Share your information. Being known as someone who knows other people and can provide introductions will enhance your reputation considerably.

Boardroom Memos and Holder Personalized memos for the boardroom…250 single sheets sit in an acrylic holder personalized with a name at the top and a phone, fax, e-mail, title, or company name at the bottom. Border design comes in the same ink color as personalization.

Custom Memo Pads – Grid Memo Pad You can easily organize your contacts with these grid or lined memo pads.

Break your stereotypes about networking. If you’re reading this article, you’re probably familiar with the benefits of networking, but you’ve avoided doing it for a variety of reasons. Find out who knows whom. When you’re talking to people, find out what they do for a living and for fun, as well as what their spouse or significant other, nearby family members, and close friends do for work and recreation.

Not all of us are living in major cities where it’s easier to find someone of interest and get in touch with them personally. Social Networking has evolved over the years to become a business networking tool as well. The internet and online networking have essentially reduced distances between people to zero. We can now network outside of our hometown, but also from coast to coast and globally. Develop some online contacts whom you might be interested in networking with.

Invite people out. Going out for lunch, drinks, or coffee is usually good for catching up casually. You can also invite people to do things related to your interests. The objective here is to establish a connection beyond your initial meeting. Preferably, this should be one-on-one.

Don’t get someone’s business card or e-mail address and forget about it. Find a way to stay in touch. Whenever you find an article that might be of interest to them, for instance, send it on their way. Keep track of everyone’s birthday and mark them on a calendar; be sure to send birthday cards to everyone you know, along with a nice note to let them know you haven’t forgotten about them, and that you don’t want them to forget about you. Maintain your network.

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