"Networking" is a buzz word today. Everybody talks about it. Everybody hears about it. Everybody wants to do it more effectively. But why? Why do people network, and what do they hope to accomplish?

First of all, networking is the process of meeting people, either through a contact that you initiate, or through an introduction by a third party. Networking allows you to meet, and establish a relationship with, people who may not have heard of your business through any other method.

For most business professionals, networking is done to increase revenue. Sometimes new clients are found, sometimes new suppliers, and sometimes new ways of doing things that increase the bottom line are found through networking. Here are some goals that business professionals commonly have in mind when networking:

To exchange qualified business leads.

To get top quality service.

To get "out-of-reach" customers.

To learn business development skills.

To have the potential to increase revenues.

To establish long-term friendships.

That means that networking is essential for strong business development. We need other people to buy from us, sell to us, and brainstorm with us in order to progress in our fields. In order to get people to do these things for us, we must be willing to give of ourselves in return.

We must be willing to hone our relationship-building skills. We must be great listeners. We must be willing to give before we receive. We must get into a networking mode in our minds. A CONSTANT networking mode.

Through consistent contact with others, you will instinctively start to put "two and two together". When you are speaking with someone, your brain will be searching it's archives for people, places and things that can help the person you are speaking to.

This is a networking mode.

This is also a networking mind set. This mind set takes time to cultivate, but once a focus is given to it, you will immediately see how you can help other people while you are listening to them. That is the first step in getting them to help you.

So networking, like it's name says, is WORK. The process is not called Net-sitting, Net-eating, or Net-standing around waiting to go home. This process is work and should be done methodically.

The process is also a learned skill. It is not something that we are born knowing how to do. It can be frustrating when you have a goal in mind for your networking functions and are not achieving that goal.