Effective networking makes the world go round so it is a vital skill for expanding business and making life easier. That is all very well but it is also an investment of time and energy and for some people this is a nightmare as they have to conquer their social fears and the desire to melt into the crowd until it's time to leave.

Here are some simple tools and tips to make your networking more effective. They basically involve taking initiative and refining your conversation skills.

Be Prepared. With a bit of light research before the event you can find out who will be there and what the occasion is. For a business event, you can brief yourself on the topic of the occasion and at least be able to hold a conversation.

Be Positively Charged. Arrive at the function with a positive attitude and look like you are glad to be there. The host will appreciate someone who is not hanging around waiting to be entertained or introduced to someone. Help liven up the event with genuine warmth and enthusiasm and you will find yourself being invited to more events.

Set Goals. If the thought of going to a social event where you might not know anyone leaves you in a cold sweat then setting a few goals can ease your anxiety. Decide on a minimum time that you can bare to stay for - like a hour. Then decide that you will not leave before making at least one new contact. You can amend the goals as you gather more confidence.

Know Your Lines. Have a few opening lines prepared to help initiate conversations with strangers. Ask them how they know the host or if they've been to the venue before. This will usually lead the conversation to what you both do and why you were invited.

Improve Your Listening Skills. Ask questions and show interest in those around you, especially if you are at a seated event that includes a formal meal. Learn to ask questions with sincerity and interest and then keep quiet and listen to the other person's reply.

Take A Risk. Most people are quite relieved to have someone approach them first, so do not miss out on meeting someone interesting just because they look a bit cold and disinterested. They are probably nervous and if you approach them with warmth and interest, they could turn into quite good company.

Leave Gracefully. Always thank the host or organizer of the event before leaving and say farewell to guests you have spoken to.

Promises Kept. Your integrity and reliability are resting on this. If you told someone that you will fax them, e-mail them, phone them or contact them after the event, then do so as soon as you can.

Stay In Touch. Once you've made contact with someone stay in touch with them. People like to know that they are thought of and important enough to be contacted even if you do not need them for anything.

Think Beyond The Box. We tend to get a bit narrow-minded about where we should be networking but airplane trips, waiting in line, public events, weddings and any other place where people gather can present easy networking opportunities.

Networking skills take time to perfect and even the best professional networkers can still make blunders. Learning new tools and practicing your skills will certainly make networking easier with time and probably a lot more fun too.