How many times have you told yourself you just don't have the time to network with other people? Have you ever stopped to think that this really doesn't have to be the case?

Here is a good example that you may be able to relate to all too well. You are supposed to be attending a networking meeting at one of your local businessmen's clubs on a Thursday. Unfortunately when Thursday arrives, you find yourself up to your neck in overdue work at your job. You decide that is more important and you decide to forgo the local business meeting.

Here are a couple of key points to consider. First, you must give networking a greater importance in your life. It needs to be a much higher priority. You could have really made the meeting if you had wanted to.

Next, you can't just network with others when you feel up to it. Don't expect to do it on an occasional basis and expect big results. More than likely, you'll get no results. Your going to have to give networking some serious attention every moment of your day.

Quite honestly, you may be networking much more often than you think. Perhaps earlier in your day you had been talking with the landscaper who was working at your house. You mentioned to him that you've been looking to also get some remodeling work done and you asked the landscaper if he knew of anyone he could recommend. That is networking in its purest form.

Later in the day, you get an email from a guy you had briefly met at a business meeting several months ago. He had your business card and thought about you because his company needs a printing job that needs special attention. He asks if you can help his company out. It could mean that you have to put off a less important job, but you'll be showing him you're capable of doing whatever is necessary to get the job done.

As you can tell, you're probably networking much more often than you think. You may be thinking that this is just part of your everyday business. But consider how this is really networking. Think of how you can optimize all the benefits of this.

Take for example, when the carpenter comes to your house to give you a quote, let him know that the landscaper gave him a high recommendation and mentioned thathis work would be reasonable in price. Most likely, he will give you a very good price and make sure the job is done right the first time.

Take this example and apply it to your own previous job you did for the guy who remembered you from months ago and had the urgent printing job. He is grateful for all your help when he needed it the most. In the future, if you have a special need for his business, you can be assured he will give you prompt attention.

So how can you network even better on a day to day basis? What kind of special information do you have that other people would be interested in knowing about? What businesses are in your area that would be happy to work out special deals with you?

On the flipside, there are many others who would be happy to help you. Many times there are people who would truly enjoy helping you with a special request. So even if you can't make it out to your Thursday night business meeting, don't let that stop you from networking. As you can clearly see, you have countless ways to network with others each and every day.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Networking