Networking can be defined as creating a desirable connection with people that you can provide value to and receive value from. In the business world networking events are becoming the norm. These involve social gatherings, seminars and organizational events. One of the most important factors to insure that networking is a success is to learn how to effectively initiate a conversation, keep it alive, and then gracefully end it.

If the idea of walking up to a total stranger to initiate a conversation seems scary, keep in mind you are probably doing that person a huge favor by taking the first step. Few people want to stand alone at a party so they will probably grateful that you approached them, and they might be as nervous as you are.

One helpful hint in successful conversation initiation is to approach someone who is alone or in a group of three or more. Two people talking are more likely to be engrossed in a real conversation and do not want to be interrupted. One person will probably be happy to no longer be alone, and three or more people will probably not mind one more person. Furthermore, a group may see less ominous and therefore easier to start a conversation with.

It is also easiest to start a conversation with the person standing or sitting right next to you. Starting by asking how they know the host is always a good ice breaker.

Also keep an eye out for name tags. At many business events, attendees are asked to wear a badge with their name, company name, and title on it. A quick scan of the identifying tags can help you find someone you have something in common with or that interests you, making initiating a conversation easier.

Preparing ahead can also help make initiating a conversation a relatively easy and painless procedure. Do a little research ahead of time on who is organizing the event and who will be there is sure to help you have plenty to talk about. Try to prepare a quick 15 to 30 second introductions. This pitch should be a way to tell the person who you are and what you do as quickly as possible. Having your pitch introduction prepared and rehearsed ahead of time might help you stumble over you words less and will avoid drawing a blank when the conversation begins.

When initiating a conversation it is important to appear confident. To do this make eye contact, have a firm handshake, and stand up straight. In addition, dressing professionally and limiting the jokes will make people take you more seriously.

You will know it is a good time to end the conversation when several key factors happen. The other person’s eye begin wandering around the room or their answers start becoming monotone. Once the conversation begins to lag it is probably a good time to move on.

Once you feel that it is time to end the conversation it is important that you do so gracefully. Thank the person for there time and depart with a firm handshake. Because you last words are as important as your first ones, it is also important to have a few exit lines prepared. If you are talking to a person of status you may even try flattering them by mention that you do not want to monopolize any more of their time because you are sure there are plenty of people that would like to speak to them.

If you haven’t done so already when you are ending a conversation you should exchange business cards and make plans to follow up. During your departure remain upbeat and confident to ensure that you leave a lasting good impression. And at all times during the conversation act graceful and put your business etiquette skills to use.

In the field of freelance writing, the competition is fierce. Many freelance writers spend a good portion of their time seeking out new opportunities and when they pitch for work, they may be competing with hundreds of other applications. If you are a freelance writer, one way to set yourself about from the crowd is to have access to a wide variety of experts in different fields. These experts can help you fill out your pieces and give them a real human touch; instead of just relaying facts, you can include quotes from your experts explaining things in real terms. Having a team of reliable experts you can call on can be a huge boost to your freelance writing career.

Before you can build your team of experts, you need to know where to look. There are many online resources for freelance writers seeking experts in any field to contact. The National Press Club, Profnet, and Kitty Bennett’s Expert List are great places to start. Search for your expert by field. Look for experts who other journalists have use with success in the past and who are qualified and respected in their fields. You might have to use a little trial and error before you find an expert you think you will be able to turn to time and again. Try to cultivate a personal rapport with the expert you are working with. If that just isn’t happening with an expert you think you will need to call on often, keep searching until you find someone you can comfortably approach and have easy conversations with.

Of course, if you can’t find the expert you need in any of the resources listed above, you can “cold call” people. Do your own research and find out the names of the recognized experts in the fields you are researching are, and try to get them on the phone. It is important to remember to keep a thick skin for this approach; not every expert is willing or able to devote the time to talk to you about your piece. Don’t be discouraged, just move on.

However you contact your experts, make sure you have done your homework before you contact them. If you’re writing an article about global warming, don’t call someone up and ask them to explain the whole issue to you. Familiarize yourself with the terms and major points of any topic before you ask an expert to weigh in.

When you have found an expert you want to be on your “team” to turn to for future articles, let them know. Get them on board and make them feel like a part of your projects. If you’re working on a high dollar project, offer to pay them for their time. Even if you don’t pay them in cash, let them know they are appreciated. If someone comes through for you, send them a small gift as a token of thanks - they will be all the more likely to come through for you again. Above all else, give them the credit they are due in your articles. Credit both their ideas and their direct quotes. Never, ever present their thoughts as your own; when in doubt, err on the side of caution and credit them.

Once you have worked with experts and have your team in place, you will have an advantage over the other freelance writers pitching for assignments. Taking the time to build a relationship with experts in fields will pay you dividends in the future.

The holiday season brings with it tons of office parties and other social events. People generally gather much more frequently during the holidays and are more likely to show benevolence. Don’t shy away from these pubic gatherings; instead use them as networking opportunities.

Keep in mind networking at these seasonal gatherings should be approached slightly differently than in more traditional settings. A casual holiday event provides an informal forum for networking. People are attending the event primarily to enjoy themselves, so keep your networking advances light and relaxed.

The holidays are excellent times for social networking; however, remember things move more slowly around this time of year. Usually people are traveling or overworked during this season, so don’t get frustrated if phone calls aren’t returned right away or it is difficult to get an appointment. You can avoid this problem by planning ahead; ask to meet up with a person you’d like to speak with before the holiday event. Or follow up after the holidays. Sending a quick email or card after the chaos of the season has died down will probably jog your connection’s memory about any commitments they may have made. Experts generally advise not to expect anything major to happen between Thanksgiving and the New Year.

Here are four easy tips for effective networking at casual holiday events.

The first hint for networking during the holidays is an obvious one. Get out there! Though the thought of attending another yuletide inspired event might not seem like a great idea at first, it is probably the best time of year to maximize your networking skills.

 This means you should attend as many social gatherings during the holidays as you can fit into your schedule. Don’t be afraid to be assertive. If there is an event that you would like to attend but did not receive an invitation to find out who is going and hint that you wouldn’t mind joining them. Try to get your foot in the door wherever you can, as you never know who you might meet and where you might meet them.

“Getting out there” does not just mean showing up to the party. Once you are there be bold. If there is someone you’d like to meet don’t be afraid to introduce yourself or have a mutual friend do it for you. Try to manage your time wisely. Don’t spend the evening schmoozing with people you already know, and then try to catch your networking target as there attempting to walk out the door. Remember the more socializing you do during the peak hours of the party when the most people are there the more luck you will have at effectively networking.

The second tip for networking at a casual holiday event is to dress professionally. Though you are at a party, remember you are there to build social and business contacts as well. This means you should dress appropriately. Women should not dress overtly sexy and men should not go so casual that it may be perceived as sloppy. If you’re not sure how casual the event is or what the appropriate attire might be, over dress rather than under dress. Try to have your outfit portray your professional intent and you’ll be more likely to make a good impression.

The third helpful hint for holiday networking involves drinking. At holiday events and social gatherings there is almost always alcohol present. It is fine to have a drink socially, but limit your alcohol intake if networking is your main objective. Drinking to much might make you over talkative or loud or worse.

A forth tip for effective networking at holiday events is bringing your business cards. After meeting someone interesting it is a good way to make sure they have your name and contact information for the future. If you do not have business cards or are currently unemployed you should still come with your contact information readily available to give out.