•  Opportunities abound for proactive networkers. •  Opportunities abound for proactive networkers.

In networking, the key to being successful is being proactive. Proactive professionals know they are in charge of their careers. They value networking and mentoring as their most important tools for career management. They know the importance of building lifetime support systems.

What do proactive networkers look like? They network in a way that is natural, effective and mutually beneficial. They have six key characteristics:

1. Proactive Networkers Are Prepared to Network.

   They know their goals. They know their business or organization and the value they bring. They know how to effectively introduce themselves. They do their homework and prepare for networking events. They carry their business cards with them wherever they go. Therefore, they are prepared to take advantage of opportunities. There's a lot of truth to the saying, "Luck is preparation meeting opportunity."

2. Proactive Networkers Make Networking a Priority.

   They understand the importance of building a lifelong network. They realize the benefits to themselves, so they carve out the time to network on a consistent basis. Rather than waiting until times of need, they network during up times and down times. When they need their networks, their networks are there to support them.

3. Proactive Networkers Are Assertive and Self-Confident.

   They can walk confidently into a room in which they know no one. They know how to approach people and initiate conversation with ease. They feel comfortable exchanging business cards, and they are able to ask for help when they need it.

4. Proactive Networkers Are Supportive of Others.

   They're genuinely interested in other people. They ask questions to learn more about others. They listen intently, without interrupting. In fact, they listen more than they talk. They are responsive and eager to help. Proactive networkers look for opportunities to offer help to others.

5. Proactive Networkers Treat people Respectfully and Graciously.

   They make everyone they meet feel important.

6. Proactive Networkers Are Professional.

   Above all, they are people of integrity who "walk their talk." They do what they say they're going to do. They follow through on promises. If they say they'll follow up and send you information, they do it.

These six characteristics contribute to successful networking. Proactive networkers encounter many more opportunities than other people do. It almost seems as if opportunities miraculously come up wherever they go. This is because they have mastered the art of networking.

Networking has contributed significantly to the career of Donna Shirley, assistant dean of engineering at the University of Oklahoma and former program manager for the Mars Exploration Project at Jet Propulsion Labs. Donna is involved in a myriad of organizations. Her contacts have brought about numerous opportunities. One such opportunity led to two more. Donna was on the board of trustees of Scripps College and was asked to give the commencement address. The president of Harvey Mudd College learned from someone who heard Donna's address that she had done a fabulous job. He asked Donna to give the commencement address at Harvey Mudd. With that connection, Donna met the dean of social sciences, who in turn asked her to review the social sciences curriculum. As you can see, opportunities abound for the proactive networker!

Excerpt with permission of the publishers from Connecting with Success: How to Build a Mentoring Network to Fast-Forward Your Career by Kathleen Barton.