When it comes to networking, working a room can be daunting¹, especially for those uncomfortable with the social pressures of schmoozing. But there’s no underestimating the value of connections gleaned² from a good contact. New websites like LinkedIn.com are principled on the potential upside of your contacts (and, by extension, their contacts). Further your career by prepping for networking events, advises Rebecca Matchett, cofounder and CEO of Rebecca and Drew clothing, who has teamed up with Dress for Success, a nonprofit that provides professional attire³ to underprivileged women. Here’s what she tells her "clients" about networking.

说到建立人际关系方面，把一屋子里的人都“拿下”也许是个令人畏惧的任务，特别对于那些不习惯调侃的人来说。不过别低估了好的人际关系的价值。像LinkedIn.com这样的新兴网站就是基于你的潜在关系（拓展开来，他们的关系）的原则建立的。Rebecca Matchett， Rebecca and Drew服装厂的创办人、首席执行官，建议人们为社交活动做好准备，以此来推进事业的发展。这家服装厂和为弱势女性提供职业衣着的非赢利组织Dress for Success有合作。下面就是Rebecca Matchett给“顾客”们有关建立职场关系的一些建议：

3. Follow Up

事后跟进

In order to develop an ongoing⁴ relationship and dialogue with a mentor⁵, you should make a point of sending a thank you note if you shared a particularly memorable⁶ or lengthy⁷ conversation. Ask if your would-be contact might be interested in coffee to continue the dialogue. Worst-case scenario⁸: She says no. Best case: You’ve got a potentially beneficial contact to add to your Rolodex.

要和导师建立起持续的关系和对话，那么如果你们有过一段非常值得记忆的、或者是长时间的谈话，就应该特意发一封感谢信。 问一问你的联系人是否有兴趣一起喝咖啡来继续交谈。 最糟糕的情况：她说不。最好的情况：你获得了一个潜在有益的联系人。

4. Be Prepared.

做好准备

Know what you’re looking for. If you want a mentor, focus on a notable person in that segment of the industry. (If you’re hungry for a publicist position, find someone in that position.) Don’t be afraid to use flattery to get what you want. You’d be surprised how well people respond to it! Bring a stack of business cards—but don’t just hand them out to everyone. Be selective, and show your appreciation⁹ by having some appropriate talking points ready.

知道你在寻找什么。如果你想获得一位导师，那么就关注在该领域有名望的人。（如果你想获得公共关系岗位，那么去找一位在这岗位上工作的人）。别怕用奉承的话来获得你想要的东西。你会吃惊地发现对这些话人们做出的回应有多么积极! 带上一叠名片，但是不人人都发，要有选择性。准备一些适当的话题来表现出你的敬仰。

5. Know Your Target

明确你的目标

You can network with virtually anyone, but you’ll yield better results by honing in on someone in your field with more experience and power. These are the kinds of contacts that could evolve into mentors¹⁰.

你可以和几乎每个人建立关系，但是把焦点集中在你的领域里比你更有经验的、权利的人才会让你获得更好的结果。这些人是可能会成为你导师。