It's who you know: if you really know how to work your connections, a successful startup is less than 6 degrees away

Entrepreneur, Dec, 2005 by Nichole L. Torres

2. BECOME A MASTER AT RELATIONSHIPS. It's not just a bout picking up the phone; it's about creating long-term connections and developing a real rapport. Ferrazzi says to remember things like your contacts' birthdays and favorite hobbies.

3. JOIN BUSINESS AND SOCIAL GROUPS. Start attending meetings, luncheons, mixers, whatever--anything that will build your contact list. "As you grow [your] business, your circle--your network--should grow as well," says Zoe Alexander, networking expert and founder of Divas Who Dine LLC, a women's business networking group in New York City.

4. ASSESS YOUR ATTRIBUTES. Clearly define what you can bring to the table for all your new contacts. The more you bring to the party, the more willing people will be to help you, Alexander points out.

5. ENGAGE IN CONVERSATIONS. No matter where you are, start talking with your seatmate or line buddy. Ask questions about their business or industry and talk a bit about yours, Levine suggests. You'll get ideas, inspiration and, if you're lucky, a really good six-degree contact.

6. BONE UP ON CURRENT EVENTS. "Leaders are readers," says Steve Harper, author of The Ripple Effect: Maximizing the Power of Relationships for Your Life and Business. To be relevant to your desired contacts, you've got to stay abreast of news, happenings and the like. Doing so will also give you good conversation-starters for any networking situation.