Last week I had an incredible adventure in New York City and all of it was courtesy of networking.

Whether your business is under the network marketing umbrella or not, the art of networking is one that everyone should master.

The purpose of my trip was a business meeting about working with an international businessman opening several US-based companies.  He found me from a mutual friend who recommended me to him.

Now I met this mutual friend at an Internet marketing seminar in 2003. I was attending – he was a speaker – and we became friends and business partners through the years. I was invited to the event from another business acquaintance. (Actually, she and I met when we were roomies at an invitation-only leadership conference.)

The second part of my trip was the mixing pleasure with business part. I have some very good friends who live in New York City and quickly made plans with them when I learned my evening was free. I happened to meet this couple through the same woman, but during a group cruise.  (By the way, if you ever want to have a great cruise experience, I know the guy!)

A lot of people question attending seminars or other events. If I had not attended that event – over four years ago – many of my business dealings would not have surfaced. Because it was through the networking of all these individuals that I’ve met other people ….and on and on it goes.

If you are not taking advantage of networking events, start today. It can be a local women’s or leads club , or a national or international seminar. The power of online marketing and email communication will never replace the opportunity to meet in person, shake their hands, and look them in the eyes.

Thanks to my friend in Maryland. 6 Degrees of Separation Really Does Work - Put it to Work For You!