Networking isn’t an art or a science, it’s an experience – and it’s something that you absolutely must do if you want to rapidly expand your circles of influence and put yourself on an upward spiral of exposure to audiences that want to know you and want to buy from you.

The trouble is, most people don’t know how to network effectively. They think that doing things like handing out business cards and shaking hands (or creating a blog) is going to get them there. And it might – in 10 or 20 years.

Dave Navarro, the Launch Coach, has posted an excellent blogpost called ’7 Steps For Networking With A-Listers‘ and they are all actionable steps you can start working on right now.

1. Build your networking map and identify key influencers

2. Start adding value to other people’s projects

3. Find ways to promote other people

4. Buy (yes buy!) their products and start to review them

5. Engage them in meaningful conversation on Twitter

6. Get them on the phone for an interview

7. Complete the circle

To find out exactly what Dave means by these 7 steps, read his article here - he’s also included a great free workbook for you to download.