10 Secrets to Savvy Networking

Been a fan of Susan RoAne's since I read her book, How to Work a Room, shortly after I graduated college. I don't remember how I got her contact information, but I decided to give her a call (through the relay service no less) and we had a nice conversation. She connected me with a friend of hers in Chicago who is hearing impaired. It's been so long, I don't remember much more than that.

In Savvy Networking: Who You Gonna Call? she shares 10 secrets. #1 -- follow up is a big problem. I've tried connecting with businesses many times (where they'd be getting my business as well as the other way around) and they often don't follow up or wait too long.

Granted, no one wants to come across as too eager for business -- but these situations are often on the first contact. Responding within 24 hours is ideal.

The rest of her points are on cue. As a person with hearing loss, in-person networking is a challenge for me. But I've worked around that thanks to the Internet. What networking tips work for you?