Networking requires an investment of time, money and effort. Here are four ways to be sure your return on that investment is worthwhile.
Decide what you want
Why are your attending networking events? Are you looking for a new job? More business? Social contacts in a new home town? Whatever your purpose, stay focused on it, or things can slide into just another long lunch.
Attend the right event

It's a classic mistake by networkers: their approach is focused on their own needs rather than on the needs of their contacts.
Fortunately, a popular new book by Bonnie Lowe makes it easy to solve this problem. The book, "Networkaholics Revealed! True Confessions From People Who Networked Their Way to Success (And How You Can Do the Same)," provides strategies and success stories from 49 master networkers.

Before we talk about specific networking tips I want to addressa critical aspect of networking that is often overlooked. Sometimes we are so eager to network that we don't stop toconsider whether or not we are investing our energy in theright places.

One of the best ways to get business is through networking. That's what the majority of people I speak to tell me. So what is networking, what makes it so invaluable to its supporters and how can you maximise your networking time.
My definition of networking is
"Creating mutually beneficial relationships with like minded people with whom you can offer and receive value, knowledge and support over time"

Some of the most successful businesses in existence today started in a box room, bedroom or garage. It isn't how you start out to make money at home that is important. What really matters is that you had the courage to begin.
With a home based business, you are your own boss, or your own worst enemy. It is now your responsibility to do things that will build your business, instead of someone elses. To make money online, you must be online. Basic but true information...

Definition: talk idly or casually in a friendly way
Value: priceless
Gearheads like me have trouble understanding that great ideas and hard work aren't enough... you gotta shmooze too. Every day we deal with peculiar life forms called "humans", and they have needs beyond the performance of tasks. They like to connect on a human level, too.

Bigger Better Deal. That's what everyone always hopes will come along. And if you are one of the few who don't, maybe you should reconsider!
Last night I was at a happy hour gathering of a bunch of my friends. There were 14 in all and we had quite a time playing musical chairs every so often to make sure everyone got to talk with everyone. We amused many of the people on the sidelines who wondered who we were and WHY we were having so much fun. The energy was contagious!

When you look at your friends, it's like looking into a mirror. Take the sum of characteristics of the five people you spend most of your time with and you will be the average of that sum.
It is usually quite easy to tell where a person is going by knowing whom she is spending the majority of her time with.
Make a list of the five people you spend most of your time with. Next to each name, identify which category he or she falls into ?