Military researchers have been working to create the ultimate non-lethal bomb. They explored a lot of options and decided on a stink bomb. In the course of their research they had to check out many horrible stenches. What was the worst? Excrement and rotting carcasses. They've found that this combination not only disperses people in a crowd, it also makes them more fearful.

Speaking of creating fear and dispersing a crowd -- you don't need excrement or a rotting carcass, just tell the average person that they have to promote themselves and network. But given today's economy, it's essential. I've listed below a series of strategies that won't take a ton of time -- you can practice them every time you pick up a phone to further your career. For more advice, check out "Connecting With Success" by Kathleen Barton (Davies-Black, 2001).

• Do you take the time to reconnect with colleagues? Think about people who've really helped you during your career. Now think about the last time that you talked or wrote to them. Chances are that it's been years; take the time on a regular basis to touch base with people who've helped you in the past.

• Can you help them out with some information, a contact or a referral? The key to effective networking is not just a lot of names in your rolodex. Most people can do that. The key is finding good excuses to contact them. I'm always looking out for articles or contacts that might help someone I know. Sure, sometimes they won't be interested. But more often than not, they will be.

• Do you offer help? I'm sure you're thinking the key to networking was to see how they could help you. And that is true, to a point. I've found that when you find ways to help other people most of them will look for chances to return the favor.

• Do you ask for help? Most of us are relentlessly upbeat when we're talking to people for work. Everything is hunky dory. I try to resist that temptation. I'll talk about places where I'm struggling and ask for ideas. Most of our colleagues are ready, willing and able to help, we just don't open the door to give them the chance.

• Do you just check in? Most guides on networking focus on what you can do for others and what they can do for you. But sometimes just check in to see how they're doing, without an agenda.

Sniffing out opportunities takes time and effort. Sure, sometimes it will stink, but most of the time you'll come up smelling like roses.