Here is the process: prospect --> contact --> connection --> relationship. Step one, you start prospecting on LinkedIn: this is looking for possible contacts, inviting them and if they accept the invitation you have a contact (visualize as a handshake). The next step is to engage the new contact with a welcome message filled with helpful information for them, an offer to help them, a suggestion they connect with someone (with that someone%u2019s permission) in your network and not a word about how wonderful you are or what you want.

BlitzTime is a wonderful way to make and engage a new contact and move toward a good relationship in just 5 minutes. That is productivity!

Successful networking is about helping others and then they helping you. Bring one LinkedIn networking tip and question to share your co-networkers. Need to find a LinkedIn tip? Bring one from this article: http://www.helium.com/items/1366856-using-linkedin-to-network-your-way-to-your-dream-job

Successful networking is about having an elevator speech perfected. Practice yours during your conversations so it comfortable and flows easily.