Let's try something out. Write five words down on a piece of paper which you think best describe you. Be honest, and don't pull any punches in highlighting both the positives and the negatives.

Now ask the person next to you in class to do the same about you. Again, try not to turn it into a a joke exercise - and ask them to be as honest as possible.

Now swap the two pieces of paper and read them. Chances are, there are some similarities in the ways both you and your partner have described yourself - and some differences. The exercise will show how you see yourself is often not exactly how other people see you. And when it comes to networking - building up your contacts through interaction with other people - it is very important to bear this in mind.

According to Mr Brendan Butler, director of enterprise with the Irish Business and Employers Confederation (IBEC) - which represents business leaders here - the importance of good networking skills should not be underestimated.

An important thing for anyone starting out in business to remember, he says, is that networking skills are something which can be practiced.

"Some people have it, some people have to work at it, and some people never have it," he explains.

"But you can develop your skills for remembering names and faces, and for connecting with people."

Mr Butler also highlights another type of "subtle networking" which can be used to ensure people remember you.

This can include writing a thank you note to somebody whose conference or event you have attended, or a note congratulating somebody you might have met briefly when you hear their company has published particularly strong financial results.

"It is subtle but it is amazing how much impact it will have," he says. "It is all about building bridges so that if there are 50 people in a room, instead of you having to come to them, they come to you.

"I think the incredible thing about Ireland is that access is freely given. Irish people are generally much more accessible than elsewhere. Networking is terribly important but all it requires is a bit of focused effort."

One person who knows all about making the maximum impact through networking is Ms Lesley Everett. Based in the UK, she is a personal branding consultant who advises people on how best to maximise their personal marketability.

"Personal branding is about taking control of the perception people have of you. You have a brand, whether you think it or not," she says. "So it is about perception management - making sure people see you in the way you wish."

Some of the aspects Ms Everett addresses with her clients include grooming and presentation skills.

The aim, she says, is to find out what your unique personality traits are, and make sure these are emphasised in your everyday business dealings.

Certain fundamental traits, such as punctuality, integrity and honesty are always important, she says.

"A personal brand will evolve over a period of time," she believes. "You need to understand how people perceive you. And if it is negative, you need to modify your behaviour."

Creating the right perception, she says, is essential: "I have somebody who always sends me an email without using spell-check. This suggests they are sloppy, unprofessional and lack attention to detail, regardless of whether this is really the case."

Other examples of creating a bad impression are a voicemail message which is out of date or an individual who does not return calls.

"At the end of the working week, you should be asking: 'What have I done to improve my brand this week?' For example, you might have given an efficient presentation," Ms Everett says.

Mr Liam Nellis, chief executive of Intertrade Ireland, which promotes trade between Northern Ireland and the Republic, says that one of the biggest problems which small to medium enterprises encounter is getting in front of the right person.

Intertrade has set up a "network and getwork" initiative. It approaches major businesses or utility providers that have a significant procurement budget.

Procurement can involve spending money on a variety of services and products, such as computers, window cleaning, consultancy and building maintenance.

Intertrade then invites these businesses to ask their heads of procurement in each area to attend a meeting with small companies who are given an opportunity to make a pitch to become their suppliers in that area.

"From the companies' point of view, they get an opportunity to widen their supplier base, and get more competitive," he says. "And, as getting access is probably one of the biggest problems new businesses have, they also benefit."

Email your comments to: business2000@irish-times.ie