How to make networking work for you

'When I first start a new job I get complete 'phone fear', especially in an open office. I feel really self-conscious about using the phone in front of people. I thought I was the only one, but I was talking to some friends the other day, and they agreed that this was one of the worst things about starting a new job. Most of them work in media where using the phone to make contacts, interview people and so forth is really important. Do you have any tips?'

Sarah Ivens: I've felt like this at certain points in my career! I understand. If you can get through as many things as you can using email, or by talking face to face, do that.

When you have to use the phone, remember these tips:

• Standing up while dialling will give you confidence and make you feel more authoritative.
• Smiling while dialling will make your voice change and you'll actually sound calmer and happier when you speak.
• Also, keep in mind that, even if you are blushing or shaking a bit (if it's an important, nerve-wracking call), the great thing is the person on the other end of the line doesn't know that.
• Prepare yourself with a glass of water, easy to read reminder notes about the conversation you need to have, and a bit of gumption! Just do it!

'I can see the point in networking. Keeping in touch with people can mean you make new friends and who knows when you're going to need a skill that the person next to you at dinner was discussing at length. But frankly, who has the time?

'I work full-time, have a two-hour commute and then have to get home, cook a meal, run a house, call elderly parents, friends if I can snatch ten minutes, do laundry etc. Weekends are spent catching up on chores and visiting mates if we're all around at the same time.

'How do you make the time to foster new network relationships, when I don't even have enough time for the friends I already have? Please don't tell me to get up any earlier, I already get up at 5.30 to get to work on time!

Sarah Ivens: I would never tell you to get up any earlier. I'm not a morning person so I don't believe in getting to the gym at 4am like some of my American colleagues.

One thing I've found really useful is using my commute time wisely. Spend the two hours you're travelling to and from work calling your elderly parents, writing to-do lists for the next day, ordering things for the house.

Make sure you see your friends by leaving the office once a week for a girlie lunch. Yes, it's easier to be chained to your desk and your boss prefers it, but make the effort and it will make you perform better in the afternoon.

Alternatively, join a yoga class together at the weekend so you can have fun with your friends and get fit. And remember, my style of networking isn't about chasing people around a golf course or schmoozing in a bar until 4am. It's about talking to people on your commute, in different departments at work, actually asking your mates' husbands what they do for a living, and joining websites you can sneak onto at work to chat to like-minded, helpful people.

'I currently work part-time (three days a week) because I have two small children, and want to spend some time with them, but cannot bear not working at all. I want to be taken as seriously as someone who works full-time, as when I am in the office I give everything to the job. Any tips on making sure I am seen as a useful team member?'

Sarah Ivens: Dress smart so your boss knows that when you're in the office, you mean business. Be punctual. Problems do occur, but make a real effort to be on time and to not make excuses. Don't get sucked into office politics or gossip and make it clear you're there to do work.

Offer to help others, prove you're a team member and you are in it for the long-term. And finally, remember, you are probably as valuable in your three days than others doing a full week because you care so much! Don't underestimate yourself!