Networking is just another name for creating community. We rely on our network of contacts to help us get jobs, find out information, give us the latest gossip, and provide us with a good set of eyes and ears so we'll know the latest in our chosen professions.
To successfully maintain a professional network, you have to be good at maintaining community. Whether the network is actual or virtual, people want to hear from you, and that's what community is all about.
Check out this SlideShare Presentation. Hopefully you'll find it helpful. I certainly found it helpful to put together--I always learn more from teaching people. And fortunately, I was able to find a super-duper networking tip sheet from Barbara Gibson, president of the International Association of Business Communicators. I've embedded a link to her website in this presentation.