Networking strategies that work.

• Position: For your business - Brief Article

Networking is one of the most effective ways to build your business. Here's how to become an effective networker - noticed, remembered and sought out for your expertise:

1. Be prepared. Don't walk into a room without knowing who will be there, what you are hoping to achieve and what you are willing to share in return. Remember the advice of Canada's networking guru, Donna Messer: "Go to get and to give...and be prepared to give more than you receive."

2. Listen. "If you're listening, you'll find you have common interests that may have nothing to do with your business," says Donna. "What you're doing is building relationships and those relationships build business opportunities."

3. Join organizations. By joining specific associations - whether business or community related - you will have access to a wide variety of information and an invaluable list of contacts.

4. Get involved. There are numerous business groups...