William C. Byham recommends new managers should start to network right away when in a new job. The main reason for this is that networking is the best way to quickly acquire crucial information about the job. It saves time, avoids reinventing of wheels and avoids repeating errors.
3 steps to take are:
1. Find out who should be in your network
2. Dare to introduce yourself
3. Reciprocate by also giving useful information back and stay in touch.
Source: HBR Jan 2009, p. 22 (...) Read more? Sign up for free