Network More Effectively by Drawing People to You

As you advance in your career, it’s harder to find time to network — especially when the people you want to know also have jam-packed schedules. To meet prominent people, you have to make yourself stand out so that they come to you. Start by figuring out what sets you apart. Ask your friends to identify the most fascinating elements of your biography, your interests or your experiences. Share this information the next time you’re with a group of people you’re trying to connect with. Building your expertise in a niche will also attract people to you. If you know a lot about wine, or nutrition, or salsa dancing, or email marketing, or any other topic, people who care about that topic are bound to seek you out.

(Adapted from “How Successful People Network With Each Other,” by Dorie Clark)