Network, network, network ...

Probably the most difficult part of being an independent consultant is managing the need to develop new business while taking care of current customers. An element of almost any approach you take has to be networking.

You are going to want to take advantage of all of your existing networks, cultivate those that offer the best prospects, and look for new networks. That used to mean pretty much the people you had worked with and organizations you already belong too. Today social relationships are changing and there are opportunities you should add to your mix.

In any networking environment you have to be ready to say what you do. It is often called an elevator speech which means you can deliver it during a normal elevator ride and spark enough interest that you generate future opportunities for yourself. Google elevator speech or or click here The best way to develop it is to get one and then use it and see how people react.

A network works two ways. You are looking to get something but you should also be willing to contribute. In fact contribution is a great way to demonstrate what you know and, in some cases, how well you get things done.

If you are reading this on a computer you have what you need to network online. Definitely join Linkedin.com. Look around and see what others say about themselves. Make no apologies. Present yourself in a positive light. See if your friends are already members. Figure out what you would like to have them say as a recommendation and ask them to do that. Offer to write a draft for them so you can highlight what needs to be said about you. You can describe your history. You want them to say things about you that you can't say yourself. "Tom is a great guy to work with and always contributes to getting problems solved quickly," You get the idea. All this is free.

Find groups on Linkedin you can join to build your list of connections. Look at the questions that are being asked by members and the responses they are getting. If you see something related to your skills and experience write an answer. Contribute back to the network.

Consider joining Facebook Until recently it was just for college kids but they are graduating into corporations and the corporations are following them to Facebook. Even the highly respected McKinsey and Company now is in Facebook. I have found several friends I would never expected to find there. Check out the groups. If there is something you can participate in, join the group.

Find local breakfast groups, luncheon groups, evening groups you can join. Most will be happy to have your join them for a time or two without formally joining. Look for groups where the other members have similar job interests to yours. You are trying to learn where job opportunities may be and how to make contact with the right people. Do this carefully. Some groups are open to announcements that you are looking for a job; others are not. Watch others and see what is appropriate.

Take business cards where ever you go. Put one or two in you wallet and refresh them frequently. No dog ears or marks on them. Unless you know what you want to say, get some relatively inexpensive cards and get more when you have a better format. I print mine on quality card stock in my computer printer and hand cut them.