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• The idea of networking being an activity where people in business boldly brandish business cards is surely a bit old-hat? I've been an avid networker for some years now, and have found it to be a highly rewarding activity. If you can let go of the idea that you're just networking to spawn business referrals off people, you're bound to have an unproductive time, in my opinion. When you think about it, networking has been happening forever - it's really about connecting with like-minded, interesting people to exchange ideas, swap stories and extend your referral base. It's mostly about giving - of your time, yourself and your commitment - and not harbouring unrealistic unexpectations in return. Having an open mind, listening and offering support to others in business can be highly rewarding and will ultimately lead to you receiving business referrals. Above all, networking can be fun, especially for solo entrepreneurs who spend a lot of time working alone. What better way to represent and generate interest in your business? Tina Blackmur from Melbourne Australia

• I agree with Tina - networking has been and continues to play an integral role in my business.
  Building and nuturing your network is important for any business. It's not about handing out your business card to everyone you meet. Rather it's about connecting with like-minded people, building relationships so that people can get to know and trust you. The golden rule should be "how can I give to my network?" If you go in to the relationship with that mindset, it won't be long before your contacts begin to know, like and trust you...which can often lead to reciprocal business down the track.
  The circle of people with whom I network on a regular basis I would consider not only colleagues, but also friends. In fact, many of my so-called competitors are now close friends and colleagues with whom I do business on a regular basis.
  Taking the time to network and build these relationships has opened the door to numerous opportunities I would not have been able to tap into, had it not been for networking and building my circle of influence.
  Networking is also something I encourage my clients (job seekers) do as part of their overall career management strategy.
  So 'yes' networking has worked for me AND is also working for many of my clients. Annemarie Cross from CBD Melbourne

• Networking works for me. I am in the Northern Synergy chapter of Business Networking International - structured networking that works. It's philosophy is "Givers Gain". If I give you business, you will want to give me business.
  It is a formalised version of what Annemarie spoke about.
  BNI is billed as the most successful networking organisation in the world, with 1,000s of chapters, 10s of 1,000s of members, passing 1,000,000s of referrals worth in hte $1,000m's.
  We like to invite visitors to our meetings to expand the network. If you are in Perth, and you would like to learn more about BNI, and meet a great bunch of active business people, I will shout you to breakfast one Thursday morning. Contact me. Michael Paterson from Perth

• Speaking from personal experience, I've found that changing my attitude changed my experience of networking entirely (for the better). There's a lot of truth in the saying, 'your thoughts produce your results'. Whenever I've focused on 'not wanting to be somewhere or to do something', without fail I would end up having a poor or unpleasant time. In contrast, when I began treating network events as a forum for exchanging ideas, to hear interesting stories, and to share experiences, I started to enjoy myself so much more, and so did people around me. Even the calibre of contacts I made were dramatically different! You've only got to imagine the situation in reverse: how would you react to meeting someone who's networking out of fear, selfishness, or worse, obligation... Frances Tan from Sydney, Australia

• In my role as a lifestyle / rural real estate salesperson in Kumeu, Auckland, I am a firm believer that contact with my colleagues within the industry is very important - both for support, exchanging ideas and making sales work for our vendors..
  I have met so many great people and hopefully along the way, have influenced others for the better...
  My network / data base also includes other professionals such as builders, plumbers, valuers and earthmovers - building relationships based on trust and friendship, is what life is all about.
  Cathy Miller, Kumeu. Auckland, NZ. Cathy Miller from Kumeu, Auckland, N.Z.

• I run my business from my desk at home while enjoying a rural outlook having left the city six years ago for the tree change experience and am loving it. But I don't get to meet many like minded business people in my immediate surroundings so I attend a monthly business womens networking group. I love it. I hear new ideas and meet women who have been in business for many years and are very successful as well as those that have only started out recently. There is some structure to the breakfast meetings but we can also mingle before and after to talk business or just meet new friends. Many of the people I'm meeting have only recently moved to the area and like me don't have a network of old school buddies nearby. We want to meet others, make friends and chat. Yes I hope to get some business from some of the new people I meet and that was propbably the reason I started attending but now I like to go along and ask others what they do and listen to their stories. Geraldine Kirby from Mid North Coast of NSW, Australia

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