Networking is the sharing of information or services between people, businesses, or groups. It is also a way for individuals to grow their relationships for their job or business.^[1] As a result, connections or a network can be built and useful for individuals in their professional or personal lives. Networking helps build meaningful relationships that are beneficial to all involved parties to exchange information and services. Gaining new significant business acquaintances can be obtained by networking meetings, social media, personal networking, and business networking

One of the most common pieces of wisdom more experienced business people have shared with me is that business networking is the fast track to success.  It’s also one of the most commonly ignored pieces of advice.  That’s a shame, because that advice holds true.  People will do business with other people they know long before they’ll do business with people they find through an advertisement.

Business networking isn’t about making direct sales, though direct sales invariably occur as a result.  Rather, business networking gives you professional connections, establishes trust, and lends business through new opportunities, increased knowledge, and the ever-so-valuable word-of-mouth advertising.