Many professionals
launch into networking without first considering whether or not meeting new
people is necessary. They attend events, collect business cards and strategize
on how to build a relationship with their new found target. But is 'networking'
really necessary? If you have lived under a rock since birth, it may be. But if
you have traveled life's path building friendships, meeting acquaintances and
being friendly to peers, you may not need to network. Most professionals do not
realize the number of people they already know who can be valuable contributors
to their network. Cataloging your current and past associations can reveal a
treasure trove of valuable contacts- all of whom share with you some common
ground already. So before you decide 'networking' is a key business development
strategy, first make sure you don't already know the people you need to know to
be successful.
