This article was originally published several months ago as my contribution to the Do Amazing Things ebook. The free ebook features articles from 12 of HR’s leading thinkers, you’ll find ideas on collaboration and innovation, recruiting, networking, performance management and more! Click here to learn more.

Networking is one of the best ways to grow professionally – to learn new ideas, become a more well-rounded HR pro, and learn about new opportunities. If you do it right.

Unfortunately, most people think of networking as an exercise in collecting as many business cards as possible.

I want to teach you the right way to network. I want to help you become a networking ninja.

What’s networking really about?

So if networking isn’t about collecting business cards, what is it about?

Networking (the right way) is really a form of informal mentoring. It’s about building relationships. It’s about helping people and sharing ideas – and occasionally asking others to return the favor.

Can I learn more about what you do over coffee… my treat?

Memorize that phrase. That’s how some of my most rewarding networking relationships have started.

A conversation over coffee evolved into the occasional, “Hey, can I bounce an idea off you?” And over time, an informal mentor was born.

(It’s not a one way street. Mentoring… err, networking… is two-directional.)

Expanding Your Network

Conversations over coffee are great for building a networking locally and inside your organization. But what if you want to expand your network (trust me, you want to)?

In 2010, learn how to really use social media tools. Sign up for accounts on Twitter and Facebook. Learn how to do more with LinkedIn than just update your profile to include your latest promotion.

Social media turbo-charges networking. Instead of just tossing a business card in your rolodex (do people still use those?), connect on your favorite social media channels.

Then, start building relationships. Comment on people’s updates. Share useful ideas and information.

And every now and then, ask people if you can bounce an idea off them. Or get their advice. Or help you find a new job.

Don’t be afraid to bring social media networking relationships into the “real world.” Met someone on Facebook that lives near you? Meet them for coffee!

Networking is one of the best ways to grow professionally. This year, become a networking ninja.