When initially contacting people you’ve been referred to by a Network contact, there are mistakes you DO NOT WANT TO MAKE!  So, in order to prevent those mistakes:

1. Make sure you properly identify yourself, why you’re calling and who referred you to him/her.
2. Before you just start into a conversation, make sure to ask if he or she has time to talk.
3. Don’t just call someone.  PLAN for the call.  Make sure you have specific things you want to discuss.
4. Before you call, make sure you’ve done your research on the networking contact’s background and their company.
5. Make sure you can tell any contact what you are looking for – in the way of assistance from them (if it is just to discuss the industry OR if you’ve heard about a specific job).