Are you networking?    Some people are, but EVERYONE should be.    While networking this past month or so, I have run across some Do’s and Don’ts that I think everyone should follow.   

DO

1. Keep in touch with industry leaders  (Nationally and Locally)
2. Have coffee or lunch with industry leaders, co-workers and even competitors at least once a quarter.
3. Pay it Forward
4. Use social media to stay up to date on your industry and their trends.  Make sure your online profiles (LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and About.me) are filled out 100% with details describing who you are and what you do.

DON’T

1. Ask someone to lunch or a coffee, to pick their brain, to ask for advice and then make them pay.   If you ask for the meeting, you should pay.
2. Take, take, take and never give.
3. Send a generic invite to connect on social media – Personalize each one.
4. Be concerned with only your agenda.  Always ask how you can help them.