Being in the know, connected, and having a finger on the pulse of the action all happens with consistent networking efforts. Every successful sales representative has a database, Rolodex or card file filled with contacts to die for! Let's discuss a few ways you can get your "Net working" for you:

Selling Yourself Should be a Constant Process. Think of three of the most successful people you know. Do you notice anything about the number of people they meet and are involved with? Highly successful people work hard at creating opportunities to meet people. Consider approaching people in elevators, restaurants or while shopping. Make standing in lines at the post office, grocery store or airport, work for you! Once you begin a conversation, let people know what company you represent, the position you hold and something of interest that makes you unique or special. In other words, develop a 30 second "commercial" about who you are as a professional and as a person. Oftentimes, we tend to promote the success of our company and not ourselves; this limits your opportunities. Marketing yourself is not bragging. You are simply giving more people more reasons to remember you. Carry business cards always. Be sure to collect the cards of people you meet. They are your keys to beginning long professional relationships!

A rolodex stuffed with buisiness cards if of no value unless you work the contacts. Stay in creative contact with people. Sending a follow-up note after an initial meeting is always a good way to distinguish yourself and brighten some ones day. How did you feel the last time you received a personal note? The next time you read an article or newsletter, think of who might be interested in its content. Jot a note or staple your business card to the copy you send--it will remind them of your gesture. Perhaps, you recently have attended a seminar, read a good book or know of a speaker or expert on a particular subject. People really appreciate quick telephone calls or messages with information of value. More often, you are remembered for the considerate gesture more than the content of your message. However, be careful not to misuse the correspondence by providing information of no relevance; the impact on you will have a dramatic opposite effect!

Be of Service to Others. There no better way for you to advertise your skills and sell yourself than to use your expertise to help people. "What goes around does come around," Cliché: but true! Problem solving or helping others will have an impact on people that will pay you back many times. Sharing your expertise in a variety of ways. Send a copy of an article or book you have written. Perhaps, a tape or notes of a program you have produced. You might agree to a luncheon and offer some consultation time. Using your experience and expertise to add value to relationships will boost your career and self-esteem in ways you never imagined!

Get in Thier Face! People like doing business with People! America spends billions of money each year on advertising, promotion and marketing. Yet, their effectiveness pales when compared to the power of personal contact and relationships. Doubt it? Consider the last time you were vying for business against a competitor that had "background" with the client. The most important thing you can do to effectively market yourself is to establish relationships with people. By incorporating just a few of these ideas into your work habits, you will be astounded by the rewards. Start Now!

Written by Anita Sirianni