Why is networking important?

It's simple: knowing the right people can get you places that you might not reach otherwise.

Of all the areas where networking can help you, the most important are probably getting new business, finding a job, and having relationships with key people who can help you out in ways you can't predict yet.

Networking opens up new opportunities for you, TheLadders.com's Rothenberg says. Particularly in the case of job-hunting especially in this extremely competitive market, networking can be the difference between scoring a job and not.

Ultimately, it's all about the relationships: the ones you can build through networking are invaluable. As Misner puts it, "when times are tough, a client will leave you, but a friend won't."

ü  Be visible

You won't be able to network if you're not visible. If people don't know who you are, you can't start building those important relationships.

Many small business owners are so focused on the day-to-day of their business that they forget about actively networking, Misner comments.

"Be visible. Networking is a contact sport! You have to get out and connect with people," he says.

ü  Build solid relationships

"Trust is key to networking," says Misner.

You have to cultivate real, deep relationships with your contacts before you can ask them for a favor or expect them to send you business.

"It takes time for people to have confidence in you and have a relationship with you --you have to invest in them," he continues.

One of Misner's favorite acronyms is "VCP," which stands for:

Visibility: "They know who you are and what you do."

Credibility: "They know who you are and what you do, and they know that you're good at it.

Profitability: "They trust you enough that they're willing to do business with you."

How do you develop these networking relationships? You approach your professional contacts as you would any other relationship, Misner says. "You have to sit down and learn about the individual."

Try connecting with them on a level other than business -- people bond over overlapping areas of interest, no matter what they are.

When you start to care about one another, you've developed a solid professional contact.

3. Diversify

Having a diverse network is just as important as having a large network. 

If you only know people who are like you -- i.e. in your industry or social group -- "your network becomes insular," says Misner.

But when your network is diverse, you're more likely to know "connectors," or those who can put you in touch with people you never would have met otherwise. And those people will be able to help you in different, better ways.

by Mbuna Basil