1. Prepare for your networking. Networking is an activity and a skill which requires planning if it is to succeed.

2. Identify formal networks and develop relationships with them. Include Professional Institutes and Associations.

3. Identify informal networks with sports and social clubs, neighbourhood and community groups and voluntary organisations.

4. Take steps to foster your networks. Who could help you? Whom could you help?

5. Get down to practicalities. Design your business card.

Do's and don'ts of networking:

Try and focus on being useful to others.

Listen for contacts' needs as well as their names.

Keep your promises.

Shy away in a corner at business meetings.

Merely contact others when you want something.

Scatter your business cards unnecessarily.

To access more Business Insight Fact Sheets please contact:

Central Library, Chamberlain Square, Birmingham. B3 3HQ.

Tel: 0121 303 4531

Email: business.library@birmingham.gov.uk

Web: www.birmingham.gov.uk/businessinsight