The benefits of networking are obvious – you can get your organisation’s name out there, meet new people and gain new insights. But despite this, a recent US study found that 31% of professionals struggle with the networking process. The good news? It’s never too late to master the art of mingling. Here are six simple ways to ramp up your networking mojo.

Make it a habit – Don’t know where to start? Here’s one way to get the ball rolling: reach out to one person a week whose career you find interesting. Start with an existing colleague, friend or relative – networking with someone you already know is much less intimidating and a great way to build your confidence.

Know who you’re reaching out to – This one should be a no-brainer. The key to making a good impression is to know your audience. Do your research and get a basic background picture of the person you are trying to reach out to. What are they interested in? Who do you know in common? People are more likely to open up when there’s some common ground.

Use positive language – It’s a subtle trick, but studies show that using positive, reinforcing language can make a world of difference when it comes to effective communication. Take these two sentences:

“Hey. I’m not sure if you’d be interested but I wouldn’t mind interviewing you on a new initiative you are coordinating when you’re not busy.”

“Hey, I’d love it if we could do a quick interview sometime soon on your new initiative. I know my audience would love your work.”

The use of positive language in the second example is much more reinforcing and motivating. People are more likely to respond to a positive request than a negative one.

Think passion, not pitch – While you should be prepared to talk about your career with the people you meet, it’s better (and easier) to talk about what you’re interested in. Think about what you love doing, why you got involved in the sector and your hopes for the future. A more open approach will foster a more natural connection.

Listen – This widely known yet commonly forgotten networking secret can make or break your newfound connection. Resist the urge to share everything about yourself. Instead, listen and express an interest in whoever you’re speaking to. By understanding their goals and ideas, you can find ways to work together.

Follow up – This is the final yet most critical part of networking. As a rule of thumb, send an email within 48 hours of your first meeting and mention something memorable from your conversation – it might be something you had in common or topic you both agreed on.