Networking is something that every business owner will consider at some point. But few know what they're letting themselves in for and even fewer know how to do it properly. With that in mind, I present the following list of Dos and Don'ts in the hope that you're experience of networking will be better than my early attempts were:

DO wear something comfortable. But don't turn up in a gravy-stained Tee shirt and sandals no matter how comfy they are.

DON'T feel that you have to wear a suit. This is especially true if you've gained a few pounds since you bought the damn thing, trust me on that. If you're more the smart casual type, then go with smart casual.

DO take business cards with you, even if all you can get are the print 'em yourself type. Cards can be expensive and spending money where you don't need to won't get you more jobs.

DON'T push your card at everyone you meet. Many first timers (and some old hands) think that handing out cards is the only point of networking. It isn't. Worse, some people find it very rude to have business cards thrust upon them. If people want your card, they'll ask for it.

DO relax. Although it can feel like you're on show, most networking groups are quite informal. Have a drink if one is offered, but try to make it a soft drink. Alcohol can get real bad, real quick, even one makes my mouth water so I drool when I speak. If this sounds like you, do yourself a favour, stick to water or juice.

DON'T wait for oohs of admiration when you announce what it is you do. I caught myself doing this a few times. "I'm a writer," I'd say as I looked around the small group before me, letting them soak it in. I may as well have asked them if they'd like to touch me. I looked like an idiot, and so will you.

DO mingle and talk to as many people as you can. If you're shy you might be tempted to play it safe and only talk to people you know. That really does defeat the object of networking, so get over it and go mingle. Getting your face known is what networking is all about.

DON'T spend all night talking about you. I can guarantee right now that most of the people in that room will be thinking sell, sell, sell. Don't be one of them. If everyone's selling, then nobody's buying. Dale Carnegie - How to Win Friends and Influence People - says the best way to get people to like you is to let them talk about themselves. That should be your goal. Tell them who you are. Tell them what you do. Now, ask about what they do. Ask them why. Ask how they got into this business. Ask about their hobbies and family. Trust me; you'll make a better impression on people using this method.

DO consider how you can help everyone you meet. Even if you have no use for an office cleaner or a trouble-shooter or whatever, you might know someone who does. People remember people who have helped them in the past, so be helpful.

DON'T think that going to one networking event will be enough to get your phone ringing with job offers. It might... but it probably won't. Networking is something that you're going to have to stick with. The more you do it, the more people you'll meet. Soon, they'll get to know you and because you're following Dale Carnegie's advice, they'll remember what a friendly person you are. That's when the phone will start ringing.

DO expect to try a few networking groups before you find one you like. Some are more formal than others. Some require you to find referrals for other people before you're next visit. Some are in the morning. Some are in the evening. Some are just like meeting you're friends at the pub. There are plenty of groups in every town so take your time and try them out. Chances are you'll get a few invites from your new networking friends. I got three from my first group. Are you beginning to see how it works?

And DON'T forget to have fun. As much as networking is about business, it's also about making friends.

Hopefully, you now have a better idea of what to expect, and how to act, when you go networking. You've no excuse for not having a bunch of success, so have at it and good luck.

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