Developing a professional network is crucial key to your future success. It’s also quite intimidating. Don’t worry though, we’ve got some advice for you.

Be transparent and be yourself. No one wants to feel like they’re being spammed with you as a walking, talking advertisement. Loosen up and be authentic and people will naturally gravitate towards what you’re saying.

Build relationships. Networking is not necessarily all stuff and about making superficial contacts. In order to build and maintain your network, treat them like humans, instead of a transaction.

Take notes. Following a meeting or networking event, write down some things you’ve learned about each person you have met. You’ll impress your network contact when you remember their funny anecdotes.

Prepare to fail and flail- but always remember to rebound!