About Us

Effective Networking Inc. teaches successful networking techniques to generate opportunity and growth. Based in Boston, our company was established on the premise that everyone can achieve professional and personal goals through this essential survival skill for today's fast-paced, competitive world.

We work with corporations, professional service firms, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, governments and individuals. Topics of our Effective Networking Programs range from the basic fundamentals and strategy, to the nuances of trade shows and conferences.

For more details about our offerings, go to Programs.

History of Effective Networking

In 1999 and 2000, smack in the middle of the Internet bubble, Diane Darling was entrenched in her own startup servicing the hospitality industry - specifically airlines and hotels.  She was also an active volunteer.  At one event, someone commented she was good at connecting people and requested she give a workshop about how to network effectively.

December 4, 2000 - She delivered a workshop and an attendee immediately approached her inquiring about her speaking fees.  Startled, Darling discovered others wanted to learn networking strategies and techniques as well. 

July 2001 - An attendee at a networking program mentions the workshop to a Wall Street Journal reporter.

September 11, 2001 - The events that day make it clear her startup for airlines and hotels wouldn't make it.

December 4, 2001 - The Wall Street Journal profile her workshops.  That day McGraw-Hill calls to commission a book and NBC Nightly News calls and films her workshop that evening.  In response to the need, Effective Networking was born teaching networking skills.

April 2003 - The Networking Survival Guide hits the book shelves.  It is now in its 5th printing and has been translated into Korean.

Summer 2003 - Effective Networking expands and brings on additional presenters.  In addition to Darling, others share the Effective Networking methodology to a variety of organizations. 

Click on "Bios" to learn more about the team that makes things happen.