I'm Louise Fletcher. As President of 
1. Focus on networking with your warmest contacts FIRST
2. Be clear about your objectives and what you want (and don't want)
3. Be generous in sharing ideas, resources, contacts
4. Don't keep score
5. Be yourself
6. Ask lots of open questions - who? what? how? when?
7. Network with a wide range of contacts outside your immediate connections
8. Ensure you have an online presence and are using social media platforms to establish an online brand (Eg LinkedIn.com, start a blog etc)
9. Take a genuine interest in other people, their challenges and their goals (and not just your own needs)
10. Be systematic
11. Listen twice as much as you talk
12. Focus on the quality of relationships rather than the number of contacts you've got
13. Keep asking "How can I help you?" rather than "How can you help me?
14. Share and help others without expecting anything back
15. Keep nudging yourself outside your confort zone
16. Limit the time you spend on social media platforms. They can be great fun, but also a great drain on your time
17. Be spontaneous
18. If you're not going to follow up religiously, don't bother networking
19. Think long term relationships rather than short term job leads and opportunities
20. Don't try and follow every tip on this list
21. Instead just incorporate ONE tip from above. Then another. Then another...
By Sital Ruparelia, cross-posted on the 6 Figure Career Management blog
I just wanted to say I found your blog today (through a link on another blog. I read several of your entries, and was so pleased to find all your positive and truly helpful articles! I will be one of your regular readers.
Paloma
Posted by: Paloma Pentarian | July 28, 2009 at 11:44 PM
Hi Paloma, thanks for the kind comments. Hope you continue to enjoy the articles.
Sital
Posted by: Sital | July 29, 2009 at 05:05 AM
This is a very useful and pragmatic set of networking tips
Posted by: Andy Spence | July 29, 2009 at 03:12 PM
I especially like #13. With the current economy, it's easy to be more focused on yourself, but I have found that if you give to others, people are more than happy to help you out, too.
Posted by: Rodney Cooley | July 29, 2009 at 10:12 PM
Really good common sense stuff that I keep forgetting when doing professional networking, which is not always natural for me. Thanks.
Posted by: Dani | August 11, 2009 at 01:46 PM
Fantastic information. I am going to send this to a contact of mine who is trying to build her professional network. Great Stuff.
Posted by: Jennifer Bruton | November 06, 2009 at 10:53 AM
Great comprehensive list that reinforces message to job seekers on effective networking
Posted by: Ernie Perez | November 08, 2009 at 12:27 AM
I liked them all, but #14 was my favorite...give without expecting. I find that a good life strategy as well.
Posted by: Loretta Perry | November 08, 2009 at 10:38 PM