How to Be a Superstar at Networking

What you need to know to jumpstart your career.

You Can Deal With Your Drama - Sometimes we drink to numb ourselves from our issues. Being sober can be overwhelming, but you will be in the mindset to move forward and get the emotional help you may need. (Photo: JOSE LUIS PELAEZ, INC./Image Source/Corbis)

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It’s About Who You Know, Too! - Working hard and being talented are a huge part of getting ahead in your career, but so is knowing the right people. Here are some tips for being an awesome networker, how to promote yourself better and strengthen the work relationships you have now. By Kellee Terrell(Photo: JOSE LUIS PELAEZ, INC./Image Source/Corbis)

Eye-to-Eye - A firm handshake and direct eye contact are first impressions that really count in the long run. It gives off the notion of being personable, confident and trustworthy. (Photo: Jose Luis Pelaez Inc/Blend Images/Corbis)

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What’s “Networking?” - Networking is about cultivating relationships with other people who are in your field or fields you want to work in. Networking is about building trusting relationships with others and helping each other and relying on each other for contacts and opportunities. (Photo: Jose Luis Pelaez Inc/Blend Images/Corbis)

Keep Your Distance - As we get older, we realize not everyone is meant to travel the journey of life with us. As much as it pains us to let them go, sometimes the best solution is to love people from afar. If you do have a one-on-one confrontation with them, make it short and sweet. (Photo: Klaus Tiedge/Corbis)

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Start With the People You Already Know - Yes, meeting new people is important, but before you do that, start at home. Build stronger relationships with people you work with or already know. You would be amazed at how much you might have in common and how you all can help each other.(Photo: Klaus Tiedge/Corbis)

Don’t Be Thirsty Or an Opportunist - Networking can be overwhelming in this dog-eat-dog-world. But remember that when meeting new people, don’t be desperate or that girl who shoves their card in someone’s face before having a conversation. Be engaging and ask questions before you give someone your info.(Photo: JoseLuiz Pelaez/Image Source/Corbis)

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Don’t Be Thirsty Or an Opportunist - Networking can be overwhelming in this dog-eat-dog-world. But remember that when meeting new people, don’t be desperate or that girl who shoves their card in someone’s face before having a conversation. Be engaging and ask questions before you give someone your info.(Photo: JoseLuiz Pelaez/Image Source/Corbis)

Do It in Person If You Can - Sincerity is easier to see in the flesh, but the phone is a good substitute. And if you can’t bring yourself to be that vulnerable — or they won’t talk to you — a handwritten letter is another option.  (Photo: UpperCut Images/Getty Images)

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Learn to Sell Yourself  - You’re awesome and so is what you do, so be able to articulate that in order to get ahead. Yes, there’s a fine line between conceited and self-deprecating, but telling people about your work and achievements can be done in a humbling way. (Photo: UpperCut Images/Getty Images)

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Attend More Professional Mixers - Meeting new people can be really hard, especially if you are shy. So think about joining professional groups that bring young professionals like you together in social places and conferences. (Photo: Tim Robbins/Mint Images/Corbis)

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Attend More Professional Mixers - Meeting new people can be really hard, especially if you are shy. So think about joining professional groups that bring young professionals like you together in social places and conferences. (Photo: Tim Robbins/Mint Images/Corbis)

Always Be Prepared - I met a woman on a plane who 6 months later wrote me a $1,000 check to help support my thesis film. I never thought a plane ride could be a networking opportunity, but I was prepared with a copy of my film and a card. The lesson: Always be ready wherever you are.(Photo: Randy Faris/Corbis)

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Always Be Prepared - I met a woman on a plane who 6 months later wrote me a $1,000 check to help support my thesis film. I never thought a plane ride could be a networking opportunity, but I was prepared with a copy of my film and a card. The lesson: Always be ready wherever you are.(Photo: Randy Faris/Corbis)

Give Help Before You Ask for It - Make sure your networking relationships are about give and take. Don’t offer up your entire Rolodex, but offer help before you go in on what you need. This is a way to help establish trust with others.(Photo: JGI/Tom Grill/Getty Images)

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Give Help Before You Ask for It - Make sure your networking relationships are about give and take. Don’t offer up your entire Rolodex, but offer help before you go in on what you need. This is a way to help establish trust with others.(Photo: JGI/Tom Grill/Getty Images)

Get Linked on Social Media - Whether it’s LinkedIn, a site for networking and job searches, or being members of professional Facebook groups, the Internet is a great way to get connected to people. (Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

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Get Linked on Social Media - Whether it’s LinkedIn, a site for networking and job searches, or being members of professional Facebook groups, the Internet is a great way to get connected to people. (Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

CON: Your Job Might Not Care About Your Wisdom - Your employer might not care at all that you just toiled away for three years to earn another degree. You could be forced to look for employment outside your company to get ahead.  (Photo: Sean De Burca/Corbis)

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Don’t Be Scared - Networking can be intimidating and scary, but you need it. So don’t brush it off or pretend that it’s not important. It’s a crucial skill to have and pays in dividends. (Photo: Sean De Burca/Corbis)