Even if you managed to find the best online school and have earned an online degree in an exciting and interesting field, advancing in your field can be tricky. After all, there are likely to be many other candidates holding the same degree as you. Therefore, you need to find a way to make yourself stand out from among the crowd. This way, you will be noticed by your employer and will become recognized as an authority in your field. But, how can you make yourself known by others in your industry? One way to accomplish this important task is to learn the art of networking.

What is Networking?

Networking is the process of getting to know people within your field or industry so you can make important connections. While you do not need to become intimately personal with everyone you meet, you do want to be certain to leave a good impression on those people you do meet. This way, they will be more likely to pass your name on to other individuals or to think of you when they have a need you can fulfill. In order to make this happen, however, you need to make an effort to meet new people – and you need to determine which people are the most important for you to meet.

Who Should I Network With?

There are no hard and fast rules regarding who you should make an effort to network with. After all, you can never be sure who could become an important contact in the future. Nonetheless, there are a few key places you should look for individuals to network with. Some of these include:

· Members of professional organizations
· Individuals you meet at industry-related workshops and events
· Experts in related fields, such as college faculty members and staff

Of course, you should be certain to maintain contact with those people who you like and respect. Not only are these people valuable personal contacts, they are also likely to help you with growing your career in the future.

How Do I Network?

There are several ways you can go about networking. Simply joining professional organizations and participating in the events they host is a great way to begin networking with individuals in your field. There are many other places where networking can take place, however, such as:

· Airplane rides
· Bookstores
· Cocktail parties
· Festivals
· Restaurants
· Sporting events
· Supermarket lines
· Weddings

Regardless of the location, taking a genuine interest in those around you will go a long way toward helping you make important connections. When you meet a person, ask him or her questions about what he or she does and listen carefully to what that person says. The more interest you show in the person you are talking to, the more interested that person will become in you. Then, before departing, be certain to leave the person with your business card or with a brochure that explains what you do and who you are. In fact, give the person several copies of your business card and encourage him or her to pass them on to others who might be interested!