...rooms full of people all desperately trying to "create a relationship" whilst balancing a canape on a paper plate and wondering where to put their wine. The sweaty palmed salesperson assessing your ability to buy (irrespective of whether you're interested). The crushing humiliation of cocking up your elevator pitch or being backed into a corner by a frightening "leader of industry" with the listening skills of rabid dog.

Okay so that's a tad cynical but we've all been there.

Now despite all this I do believe that networking is the new rock n roll for business. I've been an inveterate networker all my working life and pretty much get all my business through this and ongoing referral.

My belief is that effective networking is a learned skill. Of course there are the fortunate few who in the blink of an eye can rustle up a pitch perfect presentation but most of us aren't blessed with such ability. Also for the avid networker keeping yourself fresh is another issue.

So, in response to those who ask "just what makes a good networker?" a website packed with ideas, motivators and examples of how you can get the most out of networking.

Regards,

Tim