Are you increasingly socialising and networking with other people online?!

With the advent of social networking website such as Facebook and MySpace, people are spending more and more people time communicating with each other online.

We are all now so interconnected and with the advent of email and the internet, we are only a few keystrokes away from anyone else in the world.

At the same time, people are finding that it is now more vital than ever to have strong connections. Networking electronically is said to be the way forward, as the world becomes ever smaller.

However, where does this leave face to face human contact? Ultimately, the depth of the connection you make with people is what ultimately bonds you to them. And what better place to do this than when you meet people face to face for the first time?

Are you comfortable meeting strangers for business and social purposes? Just how can you convert strangers into useful contacts and friends who will support you in your goals?

Networking has become a new buzzword and people are realising that in the changing world, they have to get out there and actually meet other people. Never mind the growing band of online social networks.

There are lots of so called networking events happening every day, whereby you get a chance to meet other guests and delegates. But how can you make the best use of these opportunities?

To start with, change your attitude. Drop the ‘what’s in it for me attitude’. Do not go around the entire room collecting and handing out business cards. I was at an event a few months ago where one lady simply went around the room giving out her card without making any attempt to connect with anyone. That is not what networking is about.

Networking is simply about developing good long-term relationships:-

1. Develop a good close network of say 20 people. They in turn will have around 20 close contacts of their own, who they will be happy to share with you. So you immediately have introductory access to 400 people.

It is key to develop this good close network in the first place. This will take time and will require sustained effort on your part to maintain it.

2. Once you have developed a close network, look at ways of giving. Remember that it is always givers gain. People to whom you give will want to give to you. It is as simple as that.

Continue to develop your network by adding value. Perhaps your contacts might like to hear about a new money saving service, or a new book that you found interesting and so on.

3. Always look to expand your network. Look to meet and interact with at least one new person every day. Engage with strangers and truly listen to them. Everyone has something to contribute. You have umpteen opportunities to meet people – work, social events, shops, parties, gym and so on.

Remember that you have two ears and one mouth – use them in that proportion as you listen to any acquaintance.

4. Before trying to do any business with your network, build the relationship first. Really get to know the other person and understand his needs and desires. The human touch is key.

The last point is possibly the most important one - seeing the other person as a fellow human being and connecting as people will have a deep effect on your future dealings with each other.

Also remember that the human touch is key even within your online network. So as you connect with others on Facebook or MySpace, connect at a deeper level and see how you can help others.

Ultimately, it all comes down to seeing every human interaction, online and offline, as yet another opportunity for contributing in the best way you can