When you meet Tim Cork, he's more than likely to whip out a pen and scribble notes about you as you talk. He'll probably be bold enough to ask for an introduction to two of your friends as well.

While that may seem more than a tad pushy, even invasive, it's all part of the smart networking game, Mr. Cork says. And networking is his daily business.

The president of the Toronto career transition company Nexcareer Inc. says that you have to be very deliberate about expanding and updating your network. The payoff will come in great sources of contacts, advice and ideas for expanding your career.

He's a big believer in the theory of six degrees of separation -- the notion that we are all connected through a chain of no more than six people. Except, from 20 years of networking, Mr. Cork says he is convinced "in Canada, there's really only one degree or, at most, two degrees of separation."

But most people aren't methodical enough to benefit from the real power of networking, and they give up entirely too easily when they put it into practice, he says.

While you don't have to go to his extremes, he says anyone can easily make the right connections.

Practice networking every day. Everyone has a social system that can be the source of important contacts. Don't narrow your network to the people you know in your work or business social engagements, Mr. Cork advises. Your doctor, dentist, accountant lawyer, real estate agent and others you come into contact with are sure to have their own broad networks as well.

Choose your targets. "If you want to fly with eagles, you have to hang out with eagles and learn how they do it," Mr. Cork says.

Focus your networking efforts on people who are going to be most influential in getting what you want. If you want a better job or advancement, the eagles are those who have already achieved the lofty heights you aspire to. You can tap them for advice about their experience and the challenges and tribulations they experienced on the way up.

Approach even the loftiest eagles. Most are more approachable than you might imagine, Mr. Cork says. The best way to catch their attention: Get them talking about themselves. "Think of an imaginary sign around their neck that reads: 'Make me feel important; make me feel good.' "

You can do that by boning up on your targets. Do a little research to find out about a recent achievement to ask about. Most people consider that a compliment.

"Let them know you admire their expertise and would like their advice on the subject, or help in finding someone who can help you."

If someone says no, just say thanks and move on, Mr. Cork recommends. "There are more eagles out there who will be willing to spend some time to help you learn to fly," he says."

Tap into the senses. People meeting you for the first time form an instant impression of you before you ever start into your message.

Visual clues, such as the way you dress, the way you stand and your obvious facial cues that show you are interested in them can predispose them to be co-operative with you, Mr. Cork says.

Just as important are sound cues. A friendly, genuine voice will predispose someone to listen to you, while an aggressive or nervous sound will turn off their reception.

Making eye contact is a particularly valuable tool; one of the simplest things to do is to try to see the colour of a person's eyes when you are introducing yourself, he recommends. "You don't even have to remember the colour, but in the time it takes to register, it demonstrates you are interested in them."

And remember body language. Don't cross your arms or hang back, which can be read as unfriendly.

Take notes. "As a courtesy, you should always ask first, but I don't remember anyone ever saying no if I want to write things down," Mr. Cork says.

Not only does it mean you don't have to rely on your memory but "when you take notes, you show the person you're taking an interest; it's not just going in one ear and out the other."

Details about family, interests and events you can refer to the next time you meet gives you common ground for discussion. "If someone comes up to you and asks about your wife and kids, the barrier is down. It says this person cares enough to get to know a little more about me and to remember it."

Keep a data base. Stashing cards in a file is ineffective because you can forget who gave it to you and why, Mr. Cork says. You retain more information if you write it out or type it into an electronic file.

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