Three-Way Street THE MOST EFFECTIVE NETWORKING APPROACH IS A WIN-WIN-WIN Most professionals recognize that they have to network to build business and move forward in their careers. But there's a lot of confusion about how to network effectively. Many see networking as a one-way street: "What can this person do for me?" To take networking to the next level, try this: • When you meet someone new, ask yourself: "What is this person   good at and what does this person need?" • Then ask yourself: "Who else do I know that can help with that   need?" • Put those two people together and you've begun building a   network of strategically important partners. It's a proactive process   that will generate goodwill and add value to your relationship with   each. It's not a win-win, but a win-win-win. Read more about strategically important partners in Jerry Gale's Three-Way-Street from Systems Contractor News.