I'm sharing this little tidbit because I can always use the occasional reminder, and I bet many of you can, too. Even if you aren't thinking about switching jobs right now, aren't writing and re-writing your resume, are perfectly happy with your executive position, there's great value to be had in building and freshening your business network.



It doesn't require any more social skills than having polite conversations with the gardener, the guy at the checkout counter, the gal on the customer service line you say, "How's your day going?" to while she looks up your account information.

It's just about demonstrating an interest in someone other than yourself - and knowing that such an investment is often returned. You don't need to be reminded that most executive positions get filled through some form of networking contact - directly, or through a friend of a friend.

What people do seem to need reminding of, though, is to actually get out there and network. And if you worry about not getting along with new people very well, take this advice to heart. There are only three bad things you can do with networking events:

1. Not go at all. A lot of people lapse into this habit, and have a lot of seemingly great excuses. "I don't have time," "I don't know what to say," "I don't want to be pestered by people who just want something from me." Guess what? You can make the time, you'll always have something to say, and the pestering people are few and far between.

2. Go and only talk to the people you already know. That's still necessary, but it's only half the battle. Heck, if you need to, have one of your friends/current contacts introduce you to someone new that they like and trust. That greases the wheels a bit, and makes the whole networking process a little more comfortable.

3. Go and not talk to anyone. Then, you're just wasting precious time - mostly yours. You're also wasting the time of other people there, in a sense, because you're not contributing to the networking environment. Instead, you're kind of being a networking drag.

There's another event coming up in your industry. I can say that no matter what your industry is, because it's the same with all businesses. Sign up for it today!