On the path to your own networking success are likely some very busy people. How do you go about getting one on one time on their calendar without coming across as a nasty networker?

First, make sure that you're being professional, polite and persistent throughout the process. You've got to respect their time and do your best to work around their schedule.

Different people have different communication preferences. Some will prefer an e-mail, while others will want a phone call as you're likely to get lost in their inbox. Reach out a couple of different ways, and expect that it will take more than just one attempt. You must own the follow-up. Don't expect them to do it.

Make a meeting as convenient as possible for them. Offer to meet in or near their office, and an early or late meeting in the day may work best so as not to interrupt their most productive business hours.

Make it about them. If you're request is only about them helping you you're not going to find a super receptive audience. What's in it for them? What will they get out of meeting with you? Figure this out up-front and deliver.

If you've never met or otherwise interracted with this person you're going to have to work that much harder to get a meeting. You're far better off finding a mutual friend who can introduce you and provide some context for why you should meet. If that's not possible try to find an event they're likely to attend and meet them there. Having a face to face connection will make reconnecting much easier than trying to go at this cold.

Know that it may be several weeks before your busy person is available. Isn't that the definition of busy? Try to understand when they are and aren't busy. Today is April 12th. This is probably not a good day to ask a tax accountant for time in the next week. The further out you suggest a time the more likely the are to be available.

An assistant can be your best friend. If your busy person has an assistant do not view this person as a "gatekeeper." In many cases this person actually manages your contacts calendar. If that person likes you and trusts you it's very easy for them to put you on the calendar. Again, be professional, polite and persistent. Treat them, or anyone else as a second class citizen at your own risk.

That's really it. Mostly common sense stuff, but you have to own the follow-up. If someone tells you to call them back in a couple of weeks once they get through a big project you've got to call back then. If you don't how do you expect to get your meeting? Put yourself in their shoes. If you were so busy you barely had time to breathe how would you want to be approached? Do that and you'll be just fine.

Happy Networking!