A few weeks back, I was talking with the CEO of a company and he mentioned that he had to attend a networking session affiliated with another event he was in town for. Then he rolled his eyes and said “I despise networking. What a waste of time.” I couldn’t disagree more.

This past week, I was sitting on a plane next to two men. One looked to be in his early 20s and the other I guessed to be in his mid-50s. As I tend to do on a plane, I was listening to their conversation. They apparently knew each other and were catching up on each others lives. The younger one was an aspiring hip-hop song writer and producer. As they spoke, the older of the two men excused himself and came back a few minutes later with a friend of his that was sitting in the rear of the plane. This man was in the music industry and looking for writers with talent. They were introduced and spent a few minutes talking and exchanged information. Did the younger man walk away with a job? No, but he walked away with an opportunity – an opportunity which he would not have had if he would not have been talking or “networking” with the man sitting next to him. (I later confessed to my eavesdropping, and confirmed the opportunity – I also made a couple of new friends.)

So what exactly is networking? I would define it as simply as building relationships, making contacts, and working to keep those contacts alive. Everyone I know is talking about FaceBook, Linked-In, Twitter, etc. – all forms of virtual networking, but networking none the less. Does just connecting with people on these sites qualify as networking? Maybe. However, quality networking should have at least three components: actively engaging each other from time to time, mutual sincerity, and shared friends/interests. These things may be easier for some people to do in person, rather than over the Internet. Think about what you do every day and how easily networking occurs if you are open to it: talking to people at the grocery store or the post office while waiting in line, at a soccer game, at church, while volunteering, or at your local coffee shop. You may already have a robust network, and not even be aware of it! You most likely have several opportunities each day to expand your network – you get out of it what you put into it. Professional athletes often use visualization as a technique to achieve success. You have probably heard the saying “Those who expect the best very often get it”. The more you focus on something, the more you are apt to find a solution or a way to put your thoughts into action to achieve your objective. Call this visualization, or the Law of Attraction, but whatever you call it, your network usually comes into play to support your dreams and goals.

Now think about our current economy. You may have been watching the news and seen the tent cities popping up in Southern California due to foreclosures. This really bothered me. If I was in the unfortunate situation of losing my home due to foreclosure, what would happen to me? I wouldn’t end up in a tent, I am sure of that. I made a mental list of over 20 friends who I believe would open their homes to me during my time of need, and at least 8 of those would welcome me if I showed up today, without notice, with my dog and cat in tow. So not only do I have amazing friends, I have kept in touch with them throughout the years, and ended up with an incredible network of people who are there personally when others may not be. So do I believe there is a huge value to networking? Absolutely! Not only can networking help you find a job, find a restaurant, or find a date, ultimately it could save you.