Are you looking for a new job, trying to get back into the work force or changing careers? Networking can be the key to your success. However, you need to be good at it. Discover five essential networking secrets that guarantee you'll make numerous new and important contacts.

Networking has become a key strategy that people use to successfully find new jobs, change careers, get back into the work force or find more clients and increase sales. What about you? Are you actively growing the number of people you know to reach your goals? Do you use the powerful tool networking to your advantage and to save precious time, energy and money?

Networking works fantastically for those who know how to do it well. But what, if you don't? Here is good news: If you're not a natural networker you can learn to be one. Networking is a skill you can learn. Simply embrace the following five essential rules of how to become a successful networker and you'll discover how easy it is to have job offers or clients find you instead of you finding them:

1. Networking is all about giving

Your networking activities are meant to extend your existing contacts with the aim of finding a job, further your career or grow your business. But if that's your one and only focus you won't get anything in return.

Networking is all about giving. It's about establishing relationships and you can only establish them with people who like you. Be friendly and show genuine interest in the person you talk to. If you're too pushy and only focus on how you get help, you'll put other people off.

Always ask yourself what you can do for others and you'll be surprised how much help you'll get in return. When you give to someone, he or she will give you back. It's a proven habit!

2. Learn how to become good at Small Talk

Networking involves small talk. Some people are almost naturally good at it. For others it represents a major challenge although they know it's the perfect way to break the ice between in any situation.

Overcoming the challenge is easy. Small talk is a skill you can learn. Simply find organisations that offer courses in small talk or work with a communication coach. A coach will show you easy techniques of how to start or engage in a light and easy conversation to talk about anything with anybody.

3. Quality versus quantity

Networking can be formally organised by networking groups such as Business Networks International (www.bni.com) or simply happen when you play golf or shop in your local supermarket.

Should you decide to attend a networking event the worst thing you can do is to "work the room". Introducing yourself to as many people as possible, greedily hunting for their business cards and then abruptly ending the conversation and targeting the next "victim" is the ultimate don't.

This has got nothing to do with building a relationship of trust and people will only remember you as the slimy, desperate job hunter or business greedy lawyer.

4. Listen and be seriously curious

Nothing is more boring than someone who is constantly talking without giving anyone else the chance to talk too. Being a good listener and showing genuine interest in someone else will make you stand out. Why? Because it's a rare art.

People tend to talk about themselves - especially at organised networking events where some want to show off to attract attention, clients or business. By listening you will be remembered positively and also find a connecting point for your follow up which brings us to the next rule:

5. Follow up on your newly made contacts

Networking is not only about meeting new people and making new contacts. It's also about maintaining these contacts. Remember? Your networking goal is to establish a relationship.

Research shows, that it takes seven contacts on average before people actually consider knowing a person well enough to establish a relationship. Keep in touch. Send little Thank you notes, an interesting paper clipping about a topic you discussed or, of course, a referral.

Embracing these rules will take your networking skills to a new level. Good luck and happy networking.