This Quick Tip is the fourth and last in a series on "Working the Network" offering tips on how to benefit from networking opportunities and to see how Rod Stoll himself makes use of professional networks

Classifying network contacts

All people may be born equal. But not all contacts are equally important to the committed networker. For Pittsburgh-based serial entrepreneur Rod Stoll, himself a determined networker, it can help to categorize your contacts and prioritize your follow-up steps.

•  Although his system is informal, Stoll categorizes his contacts as either As, Bs, or Cs.

•  People on the A-list are those he likes a lot and with whom he has, or could potentially have, a good relationship. So A-level people may or may not be in his professional sweet spot; they are more a reflection of personal chemistry.

•  Stoll makes a point of being in touch with A-list people at least once every three to six months. If he sees their name in a periodical, he'll call or send them a note acknowledging that he saw them mentioned.

•  People on the B-list are nice people whom he would like to stay in contact with, he says, but probably will not be in touch with as often as those on the A-list. C-level contacts are a lesser category.

•  Professional association meetings are a good venue for maintaining all three levels of contacts, according to Stoll. At the same time, to expand his circle, Stoll makes a point of meeting two or three people that he doesn't know at each event, which may include the presenters and/or meeting organizers. However those on the A and B lists are more likely to be contacted for an informal one-on-one follow-up meetings to build on the relationship.

•  Networking doesn't always involve circulating through a roomful of people with a wine glass in your hand, according to Stoll. While it does include receptions at professional events, it can also include meeting people one-on-one for the first time at coffee, telephone calls based on referrals, or email. All of those avenues are useful in developing relationships, he said.

Working the network series

For more tips on how to benefit from networking opportunities and to see how Rod Stoll himself makes use of professional networks, see the other parts of this series.

Working the network series

Feature article: Getting the most from networking sometimes means giving the most

Quick tip: Networking at events

Quick tip: Following up on referrals

Quick tip: Capturing network intelligence

Quick tip: Classifying network contacts