Recently, I had the amazing opportunity to interview Marcy Twete, author of You Know Everybody!: A Career Girl’s Guide to Building a Network That Works. In it, Marcy guides readers step by step through the process needed to hear someone say the words “you know everybody” and marvel at the size and depth of your network.

An experienced writer, Marcy’s background stretches from direct marketing content to web content, from magazines to newspapers, and to her own online media platform, Career Girl Network. Networking has become a four letter word, especially for women.

Here are highlights from the Marcy Twete interview:

What is your step-by-step process to strategically build your network?

Before launching a bunch of emails or going to a bunch of events, take the time to really craft your pitch. That elevator pitch is really important. Develop your pitch and figure out what your brand messaging really is.

Reach out to people you know and tell them what you’re looking for. Give them your pitch and ask them to introduce you to one person who could help you.

Use all ways of networking: one-on-one networking, going to networking events and be active on social media. Bring it all together and make sure your brand is specific and consistent everywhere you are networking.

Secrets for Crafting Elevator Pitch

Ask yourself these questions:

1. Who are you?

2. What do you want?

3. What are the skills that you have that will get you want you want?

4. What makes you different from everyone else in your field?

What are some of your recommended methods of following up?

Keep reaching out to the people who are already in your network. Practice random acts of networking kindness.

STEP method of following up:

• Situation – In what situation did you meet the person?

• Think – You should always think of something from the time that you met.

• Extraordinary – What makes you extraordinary to them? Why should they remember you? Why should they help you? Why should they get to know you?

• Plan: Always make a plan for when you will see them again next.

How do you recommend creating your personal marketing plan?

Your personal marketing plan is something that is equally as important as your resume. Personal marketing is really your plan to get to where you want to go next.

What do you wish you would have known as a professional woman just starting out in her career?

A lot of people want to help you. As women, we sometimes are afraid of being a burden. We don’t want to ask for too much help but the fact really is that everyone wants to help each other.

Thanks for the insights, Marcy!