If you need to get the word out, I've got tips from the experts on how to be your own publicist. Forget about stepping into the spotlight - here's how you can create your own. These come from Rodale Publishing.

1. Put down the gun. Good networking is more about "farming" than "hunting". It's about cultivating the business relationships you already have, and letting word get out that way. Pretty soon people will start coming to you.
2. Accumulate trust. People do business with those they know they can count on. Try doing one selfless deed for a key player each week - your boss's boss, a human resources contact. This'll help get you noticed.
3. Guard the door. Put yourself in the doorway that potential clients will walk through. For instance - if you're a financial advisor who specializes in retirement plans, join a ballroom dancing class. You'll be surrounded by your target demo.
4. Ditch your pride, shyness and fear - these are the 3 deadly sins of networking. USE the contacts you have trying to "make it on your own" is admirable, but you don't wanna end up in the unemployment line. As for shyness and fear   they're crippling. You need to get past them.
5. Tend to your flock. Every Friday, schedule a phone call to someone you should have spoken to in the last six months. Neglecting people will destroy your network. And make sure you SCHEDULE it  or you won't do it!
   And remember what the experts say, it's not net-sit or net-eat. It's netWORK.