Networking is building relationships. Building relationships, both personal and professional, for the benefit of those you know, and in turn those that they know. The most effective people, those realising the greatest benefits, are givers not takers; they are also the people who truly believe in what goes around comes around. Thus ultimately there is a very real personal benefit; and for me this is the goal but not the objective of networking.

Content is cheap. Connections are currency. It matters little what you know, or what information you can look up, if you cannot channel that information to places that will bring benefit to you and the people around you. Each of us networks in their own way every day. Some are more aggressive creating expansive networks with thousands of connections, whilst others are more conservative and build their network brick by brick; and still others network without consciously realising they are doing it.

In my opinion, whether you have an aggressive or a conservative approach, either is valid. If you are in the third group, you areprobably the heir to either the Hilton or Trump fortunes, or, alternatively, you might need some guidance and focus. Either way, call me for a chat! :-)

Now apart from these people, there is no right or wrong to networking, simply do what works best for you. The approach should be no more than a means to an end, and for me, that end is to add value and benefit to the people I know, and the people they know, either directly through my own input or by bringing them into contact with others who can help.

Quite often, it is the people with very large networks (with many thousands of connections) who know best that the quality of their network is not simply about the size, but in what they are able to do with that network, and what they are able to achieve with it helping others. It's true! Size doesn't matter. :-)

Networking is neither charity nor a free for all. Ultimately we all need to put food on the table, and so, albeit the above sounds very charitable and philanthropic, one should understand the difference.

If I can help you by connecting you I would be very pleased to; if I can assist you with some information that will help you move forward, I would love to; if you see value in engaging me professionally, I will support you with passion and a firm conviction so that you can realise your vision.

Call me and let's talk.