It is also imperative – and this cannot be stressed too much - that you make an excellent first impression with every individual you meet.

Remember, you get only one chance to make a ‘Good First Impression’. 

Remember also that ‘First Impressions’ last the longest. 

The first thing you must do to develop your network list is to aggressively search out the networking groups and associations that are going to do you the most good. 

You have only a limited amount of time. 

At this point in your life you have to use that time wisely in order to get yourself into a position which may help you get your career "break". 

Always keep in mind that you are attempting to become known among the people who will be able to provide you with opportunities in your chosen career field. 

Keep your eyes open for special events that involve that segment of the community. Read the newspapers and listen to the local news. When an opportunity presents itself – be there!

When you meet new people at networking functions, make sure that you demonstrate your strong qualities to them. 

Smile a lot and show that you have a sense of humour. 

Be sincere and ask questions that show you’re interested. 

This is your big chance to make that good first impression at a time when everyone is generally in a pleasant, informal mood. Everyone knows it is much easier to make a good impression at a community event than when you are sitting in a cold office during a job interview.

Give people something positive to remember - something that will be significant enough that when you meet again they will remember you.

Good communication is invaluable in any situation, but even more so when you are networking and trying to make a good impression. 

Be articulate, concise, enthusiastic, honest and open. 

Use language with which you are comfortable but make sure it is powerful.

It is a good idea to have a small note pad with you when you attend networking functions. This does not have to be a large, bulky pad but one that simply fits in your pocket. When you commit to something, or if there is something you want to remember, step to the side at the first chance you have and write it down. If not, you are sure to forget by the time you get back home because you will have met so many people and discussed so many different topics.

This is another reason why during networking opportunities you must listen even more carefully than when you speak. Listen to what key people are saying and doing at the networking sessions. There are plenty of things being said and listening well will give you an opportunity for a follow-up afterwards.

Another interesting tip is that when you get a business card from someone, write a little reminder note right on the back of the card. 

Everyone you meet becomes an acquaintance. They do not have to be "friends" to be of help to you in your career. They just have to be acquaintances. So the more you know about these acquaintances, the better.

There is nothing complicated about networking. When it comes to finding jobs or getting your foot in the door, the more people you know, the better.

And as a final note, people you only meet or send letters to once or twice a year are just as important to your network as people with whom you communicate on a regular basis. The most important bit of advice is that you should always "keep in touch" with your acquaintances. Even if it is a simple email message, or a card, or a short letter congratulating the person on an accomplishment. Every time you make contact, you are renewing the ties you have to that person and you are strengthening your network. When it comes time for you to apply for a job, you will be surprised at just how important the "little things" become.

If you say you will call a person or will send a person some information, don’t forget to follow through. 

Networking sessions are often very busy and hectic. People are always saying things without much sincerity. If you develop a reputation for meeting your commitments and following through on things you have promised, you will definitely be remembered and respected by those you meet. You will stand out from the crowd in this respect.

When you get home from the event, take time to check your note pad and go over the business cards you have collected. 

Check out the web sites that are listed on the business cards. 

Then spend some time writing short letters or emails, making positive comments about your meeting, or something else you may have seen or heard at the event. 

Make sure it is something that will make the person to whom you are writing feel good or proud – but be sincere – don’t try to "butter it up". 

If an employer is sponsoring a charity car wash, thank him for what he is doing to make the community a better place in which to live. Employers love to be thanked for their charity work. They keep those comments and it encourages them to do more. Offer to help out the next time he does one of his events. You will be surprised at the response.

The more often you do this the better it is. 

Just think about it. 

When you write the cover letter for your application for a job, wouldn’t it be nice to be able to start off with "I was the one who held the ladder for you while you fixed the sign at your booth during the exhibition last July. I just completed my diploma in Business Administration and I am applying for the job you advertised in The Star." 

Many careers have been started because the applicant did something as simple as "holding the ladder" at the right time. But in order to have the opportunity to "hold the ladder", you have to "be there" when the person needs help with the ladder.. 

That is what networking is all about – being in the right place at the right time and meeting the right people.

It is also recommended that you use your computer skills to create your own business cards. 

Make no mistake - everyone in your life is part of your network! And it’s probably a bigger group than you realize. 

Everyone who comes in and out of your life can help you, and you can even help them. 

Learn what you can about each individual. Identify their skills, experiences, talents and needs. 

The people you know are "warm" leads. It’s much easier to build on that warmth by expanding your knowledge of these people than it is to pursue "cold" leads.

Look at each of your family members as a well-rounded individual with specific skills and unique backgrounds. 

You can tap into their knowledge and, more importantly, their networks. 

Don’t be afraid to ask your family members for advice and help. Uncles and aunts will be thrilled when given the opportunity to help you begin your career, or open a door for you with a person they know.

Some young people feel uncomfortable about asking a relative for a job or a reference. But when you think about it carefully, you are actually doing them a favour by indicating that you would like to work for them or would like to use their influence to give you a better chance of being noticed. 

If you were an employer and you needed an employee, wouldn’t you rather have a relative working for you who you knew and trusted rather than a complete stranger? That’s what family is for. 

Remember – it’s who you know that counts! 

And who do you know better than your family?

Your friends have skills you may not be aware of. Ask. 

They have their own networks. Ask to be introduced. 

Also, let your friends know what it is that you are interested in. 

You will be surprised at how many connections you and your friends have when you put all of your networks together. The next time you and four or five of your friends are looking for something to do, plan on sitting down for a few hours and simply record all of the people and businesses that your group knows. 

It will probably amaze you when you find who your friends and their family and friends know on a personal basis. Some of their acquaintances may very well be people who could give you a break in your career. All you need is for your friend’s mother to put in a good word for you so that you can get that initial interview, or that voluntary placement so that you can go to work and make a good first impression. 

This may very well be one of the most important sections of this whole web site. 

As you begin establishing your network of acquaintances, it is very important that you come up with a well organized method of keeping track of the information about these people for future reference. 

Find yourself a book or folder where you can keep track of the names, important details and how to contact some of the key people who may be able to help you get into the career of your choice over the next several years of your life. 

You may also find it useful to keep this information on a data base on your computer. There are excellent software programs on the market for this type of exercise.