Networking is a tough job. Even tougher is building a network of contacts that has value. Many people have a lot of people in their rolodex. Unfortunately, this does not constitute a network. However, a network of people that you offer value to and that are interested and willing to spend time promoting your interests can be invaluable. Keep in mind, that beginning such a network can be taken at any time. It is never too late. At the same time, the earlier you can do so, the more you can build your network and the more effective the potential becomes.

Where to begin? Benjamin Franklin was very much a man of his network. He established several organizations in Philadelphia when he was quite young. These groups became his power base later and gave him influence and reach throughout the colonies. While a great example, Franklin is even better. Benjamin Franklin's autobiography (which he wrote as advice to his son) lays out exactly what he did and how he made use of the network he built for financial and political power.

Next steps:

• In the year 2010, your networking opportunities have never been better. Facebook, LinkedIn, and your email contact list are some of the more obvious places to go. You should join groups, fan pages, and set up groups in your own lists to better manage your network. This lays the foundation for an effective network. After all, the first step is to have the capacity to reach the people you would like to meet. Spend time consistently each week, each month, and into the future participating and encouraging folks to be a part of your network. Take time to learn who you are connected to and what they actually do in life. A large part of the key to a network is realizing who you know and how it relates to your own activities. Best of all, this knowledge will endear you to the members of your network.
• The next step is realizing that simply having the network does not produce results. Further, simply making casual approaches with the random email will not achieve your goals either. You have to truly engage the people you would like help from or to work with. This means you have to take the time to develop a relationship. You have to find out what they do. You have to work at establishing contact. You have to apply yourself to building the contacts you make into the working relationship you need. You have to give as well as take.