How would you like to get help when you're looking for a new job, find out how other PAs run their jobs, discover better work systems, ask opinions on office kit before you buy, share problems, pick up new ideas, find out about your industry sector, and maybe even have a laugh while you're doing it?

Well you can. If you start networking. All these benefits - and many more - are available to you when you get out and talk to other office professionals. There's a world of experience and information just waiting to be tapped into, and it's great fun. So how do you do it?

Rule number one: leave your desk! Contacts won't come to you if you hide away - you have to go and seek them out. Look at the events coming up either aimed at office professionals, or in your sector, and resolve to go. Try out a secretarial group or network, attend an exhibition or conference, use the internet, go on a training course, attend a new business evening at the local Chamber of Commerce - whatever. Just get out!

Have your own business cards. No self-respecting PA dives into her handbag (or his wallet) to find a train ticket or supermarket receipt on which to jot down their professional contact details. Even print-your-own machines at railway stations are better than that. Ideally, though, your organisation should stand the cost of your business cards so that when you are out and about you appropriately represent the firm - have you tried asking?

Set yourself goals

At a function where there are several people you'd like to meet, set yourself a target. Aim to come away with, say, six business cards. Don't spend three hours with one person - however interesting and lovely they are - and miss all the other contacts in the room.

Be bold. It can be intimidating for many of us to walk into a room full of people already chatting in groups. But at business events it's expected that you will mingle and make contacts. Give yourself some motivation - think to yourself, "Somewhere in this room may be the person who might lead to my next career move - can I afford to miss them?" Then, just approach a friendly-looking group and say, 'Hello, my name's Katherine, I'm from XYZ plc'. Now how hard is that?

It may be tempting to attend networking events with a colleague or friend, if you are nervous. That's fine to begin with, but the danger is that you attend lots of networking events, and spend the whole time talking to each other about the day's work gossip. Which makes your presence at the networking event rather fruitless! If you go with someone, make a conscious effort to split up during the event, and don't sit next to each other at meals. Maximise those opportunities for getting to know other people and building your network.

A helping hand

Don't be afraid to ask for help or information. Put the boot on the other foot - when someone asks you for help, you're pleased to give it, right? So is everyone else! Any reasonable request is flattering, in fact.

Follow up contacts within a few days. Ring and say how nice it was to meet them. If you promised to do anything make sure you get on to it promptly. Try to keep in touch regularly but briefly - an e-mail once a fortnight and a phone call once a month is plenty.

Make contact when you DON'T need anything. Don't fall into the "she only rings when she wants something" trap. Offer them something: "I saw a good training course in the paper today, thought you might be interested".

If your memory isn't great, you can jot down a few notes about where they work, projects they're involved in, jobs they're looking for, their interests, and conversations you've had. That way when their firm hits the headlines, you've got a good reason to call, or when you see the type of job they were looking for, you can alert them.

Check out the support network

Make the most of the many organisations and support groups out there to help you today - there are now more than ever. See our feature in the June 2004 issue of DeskDemon Express on Secretarial Associations which profiles nine groups ready and waiting to help you build your network.

Don't forget, you can also network online. Check out DeskDemon's forum boards at The Hub, where you can exchange news and views with PAs from around the world. And as part of DeskDemon's brand new My Career service, you can access a multitude of networking organisations in your own area. Go to Know your Region and see what's on offer.

An interesting support group which works in a different way from the others, is the Executive Support Programme. Aimed at those who work in the highest corporate echelons, it operates on a unique model. Once a member you'll join a group of a maximum of 12 PAs who meet up four times a year for a day-long training and networking session. Half of the day is devoted to discussing, and offering solutions to, individuals' workplace issues, and the other half is given to training on topics such as Leading Office Teams, NLP, Handling Conflict, and Coaching Skills.

"Because of the nature of the programme, members build up trust and relationships with these people, and they offer each other a continuity of support." explains Chair Sue Smith. "Some have been members for several years and benefit greatly from the insight and advice of peers in a confidential setting." Membership costs £800 for a year, and interested PAs can attend a day's session as a guest at no charge, to see the programme in action. Contact Julia Clarke for more details (email julia.clarke@oakridgecentre.co.uk).

But whichever organisation you choose, or however you decide to broaden your network, it's important to keep it going once you've started. Even if you only contact people two or three times a year, you must keep the link going.

And finally, forget reservations about networking being "using" people. If done properly it offers a mutual benefit to both parties and it can foster life-long business relationships - even friendships.

So, where are you off to next week...?