With the world economy collapsing around our ears, networking is more important than ever.

While Shanghai has been relatively unaffected so far, we have seen expats and locals alike suffering with the diminishing opportunities for sales, jobs, you name it.

So, what can you do about all this and how can you minimise the effects of the crisis on your life?

1.  Network, network, network

Of course, you should have been doing that all along. As Harvey Mackay said in the title of his book, Dig your well before you're thirsty. Still, it's never too late to get out there and expand your network more. More and more people will be out on the networking circuit as they search for jobs or look for ways to streamline their business. Even if they're not personally useful to you, they may know someone who is.

Dig Your Well Before You're Thirsty

2. Consider which events are worthwhile

Going to networking events is all well and good, but which ones are you actually meeting the right people at? Consider the time, effort and money you're putting into each event and see if you're making the most of them.

3. Start making referrals

Asking other people for referrals rarely works -- especially people you've just met. You've got to give in order to get. Start referring business to other people and they may do the same for you. If it doesn't work at first, move onto someone else. Just be sure you trust both parties before you make a referral, otherwise things can backfire and damage your reputation.

Get More Referrals Now!        Endless Referrals

4. Organise your network

If you haven't got your network on LinkedIn or a similar service, now is the time to start. With people losing jobs and changing industries, that big pile of businesscards you have will soon be out of date. More importantly, what happens if you change jobs and everyone loses your contact details? Services like LinkedIn let people update their contact details and let their whole network see what's happening.

5. Really use LinkedIn

Many of us, myself included, use LinkedIn primarily as a way to keep our network organised. With fewer opportunities around, we should really start using it to search for new leads and jobs too. It's something many of us have in the back of our minds but never really do. Now is the time.

I'm on LinkedIn: Now What?     How to Succeed in Business Using LinkedIn     The LinkedIn Personal Trainer

6. Cultivate a can-do attitude

All those newsletters you get in the mail and don't bother to read? Start thinking about how they could help your business or vice-versa. Meet someone at a networking event who isn't of much use to you right now? Start thinking about how they could be of use and vice-versa.

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