Periodically I check in with networkers that I admire to see what they are doing and what they recommend.  Here are some best practices of all-star networkers.

• Make it a priority. You must make the time to network.  If you wait until you have time, or until the time is just right, it will never happen.  I meet way too many people that find themselves in need of a network and realize that it has been years since they really made an effort to reach out and stay connected.  Set aside a certain amount of time, or a certain number of lunches per week, that you will dedicate to expanding or maintaining your network.
• Be visible. It is much easier to network when people can find you!  Get involved in your community, your church, in a business related organization or a local non-profit.  Get out of your office.  
• Ask questions.  Find out what you can about those in your network. Dig a little deeper. Find out what they are working on, what they are excited about – and what keeps them up at night.   
• Listen.  When you ask questions, listen to what people are saying and not saying.  The better listener you are, the more impactful of a networker you will be. When you are really listening, you can offer to help without people ever needing to ask.
• Connect the dots.  Find ways to connect the seemingly unrelated people and situations in your life.  You’ll be surprised at the number of times where you meet someone today that is looking for an accounting job and then remember that one of your contacts mentioned they were struggling to find an experienced accountant.  When you ask great questions and effectively listen you can easily connect the dots and help two people at the same time.
• Pay it forward.  You know the concept.  Help people whenever you can and expect nothing in return.  If you believe in the concept, then you know that someday, somewhere, you will get the help you need.  This is the opposite of the idea that if you help someone else that they “owe you one.”  There is no ledger to keep with genuine networking.  You may be able to offer something tangible like a courtesy interview, resume or interview tips, or maybe a job offer. You can offer people some realistic hope about their future through a little coaching. Your help does not always have to be work related -- you can make a lasting impression by doing something to help their kids or their non-profit cause.
• Value and protect your network.  Great networkers protect their network.  Just because you know a lot of people does not mean that you automatically give up your address book to anyone who needs a lead.  Don’t abuse the people in your network by sending everyone you meet their way.
• Let yourself be used.  Great networkers know when they are being used and allow it to happen anyway.  You know the phone call.  When you see the number you know that the caller needs a job because it’s the only time they ever reach out to you.  Pick up the phone and help! 
• Follow up, follow through, and stay in touch.  If you commit to something, do it. If you meet with someone, follow up with them to see how things went.  Don’t just walk away.  Stay in touch with the people in your network. 
• Have a strategy to keep your network active. Strong networkers use an approach that prioritizes and stratifies their network.

This blog post is an excerpt from an article I wrote that was published in the October 2010 issue of the Journal of Corporate Recruiting Leadership.