Life works like a boomerang. What goes around comes around. When you practice the boomerang effect, you may actually notice a sense of relief because you don’t have to control things and keep score anymore. When you concentrate on supporting other people in your network, you’ll receive an abundance of ideas, support and referrals. The heartbeat of networking is people caring about people. Even if you learn all the skills, say all the right things, networking is only truly powerful when genuine human caring exists.

Networking is an aptitude; it’s a way of life. It’s not just a ritualistic list of things to be done in a specific timeframe. Even though there are some specific rules and tools that you can learn about networking by reading books, but unless you have a networking aptitude, unless you develop a mind-set about networking, the impact will be short-lived and results will be below potential.

Networking is the most cost-effective marketing tool when used wisely, appropriately and professionally. Networking has many benefits but the most important thing about networking is that it’s an efficient way of accomplishing goals. So if you have big goals and dreams about what you want to accomplish, then networking is for you. It’s a handy tool that, if schemed with precision, leads you to achieve Alpine heights and assists you in reaching that zenith that you can only fancy for yourself in your wildest dreams. If you’re stuck in the grooves of confusion and despite your best efforts, still unable to wriggle out of it, then it’s time to question your networking approach. It’s time to check your NQ (Networking Quotient)! Ashraf Chaudhry can be reached at ashraf@ashrafchaudhry.com