I've realized that not everyone reading this blog is an experienced networker, which many of my posts are written for. This is for the newer networker that is wondering how to get started.

The first thing you need to know about networking is that everyone has a network. You don't have to go to mixers, happy hours and chamber luncheons to have a network. Your network is made up of all the people you have relationships with. Some of those relationships are close, like those with your family and good friends. Others are more distant acquaintances like your neighbors down the street, or a colleague in another department or city that you rarely get a chance to talk to.

It's my personal belief that REAL networking primarily happens one on one, face to face. Sure one on one can happen over the phone, but nothing beats person to person contact if it can be arranged. Start anywhere. It's probably easiest with those you are close to, but it's just as easy to reach out to someone you used to be close to but have lost touch with. Schedule a time that you can get together for lunch, a cup of coffee or a beer depending on your style. There's really not much more to it. Get together, have a good time and ask questions to learn how you can help this person. Repeat this process with others to deepen the relationships with those already in your network.

Ready to expand your network? There are lots of ways to do this, but the easiest and probably most reliable way is to simply ask those you're having lunch or drinks with. Give them some idea of what you're looking for, or the type of person you'd like to meet. Give them an opportunity to think of a couple of people who fit the bill and simply ask for an introduction. Do this well and you'll quickly see that this has an exponential effect and starts to look like a pyramid scheme. You meet with a good friend who introduces you to 3 of her friends. Each of them has a couple of people they think you should meet. Before you know it your network has grown by dozens of people who are already friends of friends, and that usually comes with some measure of credibility and trust.

That's really all there is to it. This networking thing certainly isn't rocket science. Make it a point so set aside a couple of times each week to get together with folks over drinks or lunch, and you'll quickly learn to love networking as much as I do. Then be sure to come back here or sign-up for our newsletter so you can learn more tips to make your networking even more effective.

Happy Networking!

-Scott Ingram
NetworkInAustin.com