What Makes A Good Friend?

Good friendship counts!

Being a good friend is not just about having a good time with others, it's also about how willing you are to put your friends first or point out when they're doing something you don't agree with. Have a read through the following checklist and see how good a friend you really are.

Are you a good listener?

What Makes A Good Friend?

Part of being a good friend is about being willing to listen rather than just talk. This takes time and effort but if you can make time just to listen to others and respect what they have to say, then it's a sign of a good friend.

Are you approachable?

Do your friends often turn to you first to share a problem or seek help? Are you willing to make yourself available to friends at short notice and welcome them if they turn up at your door?

Are you trustworthy?

If a friend tells you something personal are you good at keeping it in confidence, or do you go and tell everyone at the first opportunity? People need to know that they can trust a friends with important information and you will only store up trouble for yourself if you are seen as unreliable. A good friend is both trustworthy and reliable.

Do you avoid gossiping about others?

This is one of the biggest signs of a good friend and really does stand out. Do you avoid speaking badly about others or spreading rumors in order to hurt them? Do you defend friends when you hear others gossiping about them? If you avoid gossiping others will notice how different you are and soon realize what a truly good friend you are.

Are you selfless rather than selfish?

Do you put your friends needs above your own? Do you try to find a compromise if you can't agree with a friend? Are you willing to do something your friend wants to do for a change rather than forcing them to do what you want? If you are willing to put your friends first in most things then this is a sign of a good friend.

Can you sensitively tell a friend what you really think?

Good friends don't just go with the flow, sometimes they have to be honest and tell someone what they really think. Sometimes your friends might want to do something that is morally wrong or illegal or just plain unfair on another person. Are you able to tell your friend honestly what you think about it, without just going along with it? The sign of a good friendship is when you can be totally honest with the other person, without them being offended because they know you have their best interests at heart.

What Makes A Good Friend?
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This was written by J Dawkins who created Friends and Money in March 2007. His site is dedicated to providing reviews of paid survey, social networking, and cash back shopping communities.

His aim is encourage visitors to Make Friends, Earn Money online.

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Communication and Networking

Communication and networking skills are very important in career development. Great careers do not happen accidentally, it requires persistence, introspection, with the right people to achieve this. Most people would benefit from knowing more about career development and the skills that one can employ to ensure that they are developing their career at a pace that is acceptable to them. Career development is not a one time thing that one does; it is a lengthy process that requires one to set milestones for each stage that they are in with regards to their career.

In today's competitive business environment, developing one's career requires more than just a good education and job experience. One has to have an edge over the thousands of other well educated experienced individuals that are after the same position or career path as you are. Communication and networking skills are some of the skills that one needs to learn if they are going to get this edge.

Effective communication skills form the heart of networking as well as career success. Most employers look for strong communication skills in their potential employees. Being able to communicate with clients, co-workers and upper management is of utmost importance. One has to be able to convey their thoughts if the job is to be done properly; ideas that are stuck in your mind are of no use to anyone even to yourself. Often, you will find that people that are promoted in the various jobs are not usually promoted because of the technical skills that they possess but because of the communication and networking skills that they possess.

Communication and Networking

Communication involves both listening to other people and getting people to see things your way. If you do not listen to other people's ideas or suggestions then it is unlikely that you will ever learn anything new. Furthermore, they will not be open to listening to what you have to say; people will usually give you what you dish out.

With regards to networking, one has to mix with the 'right people' in order to advance their career. Mentorship is one way to achieve this; find someone that is an expert in your field and learn as much as you can from them.

Always talk to your boss and ask her/him to tell you ways in which you can do your job better. Office parties are also a great place to network with peers and superiors. Such events provide an opportunity to make use of one's communication and networking skills to go up the career ladder.

Communication and Networking
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Do You Know Your Objectives in Networking?

Networking is Much More Than Socializing

Casual networkers view networking as a form of socializing without focus and without goals. Effective networkers view it as a process of relationship building with very clear goals and objectives.

Business networking, like any other business activity, must be a productive use of time. To maximize your networking effectiveness, you should therefore clearly define your goals and objectives.

Do You Know Your Objectives in Networking?

Following are some of the most common objectives for business networkers:

Broaden your exposure in the marketplace and create a positive impression on as many people in your business community as possible.

Identify those who might be prospects for your products or services

Build relationships with those who offer products or services that might be of value to you or your clients.

Build relationships with those who might become referral or strategic partners.

Build relationships with those who are influential in your business community.

Build relationships with those who can further your career.

Build relationships with those who might provide business counsel or become advisors or mentors.

Those with whom you network are experts in their fields. They can answer questions about their area of specialization, share their business experience and knowledge, and may in some instances become mentors. No one can know all there is to know about business and the advice of others can at times be extremely valuable. Networking at trade association expos and conferences will allow you to meet executives from other companies who might some day be your employer or be able to recommend you for an opening they have heard about. Earning the respect of those in your local community can lead to offers when positions become available. We have all heard the idiom: "It is not what you know, it is who you know that counts." Building relationships with the most influential members of your business community is a key to your success.

Referral partners are individuals who are able and willing to send you referrals in exchange for your help sending referrals to them. To find them at a networking event, you must have carefully thought through who the best referral partners for you might be. You must also have a strategy for turning a casual meeting into an opportunity to develop the relationship. As a business person you and the firm for which you work have needs for a wide variety of products and services. Networking is an effective way of meeting those who provide these products and services in your local community. Your customers also need a variety of products or services for business and personal use. If you can direct them to reputable providers of those services, you will be more valued as a resource and their loyalty will be enhanced. Keeping your client's needs in mind as you meet others at networking events, should be a habit you develop.

Most view this as the primary objective of networking. To identify prospects and create sales opportunities, you must be prepared to describe your business and its benefits clearly and succinctly. You must also be ready to qualify "suspects" and, if necessary, present your Unique Selling Proposition. The goal of an initial networking contact is not to close a deal, it is to create a follow up opportunity. Networking is an extremely effective way of creating awareness in your business community. For many start up companies, it is the only form of marketing that can be afforded. Fortunately, networking can also be the most effective form of marketing available.

Most business professionals view networking as a means of marketing their business, but overlook some of the other objectives that may be equally or even more important. Too much emphasis on selling at networking events can leave a negative impression. If you want to make a positive impression, make sure the discussion centers on them, not you.

What goals and objectives have you set for your networking activities? Which are most important? How will you measure your success? Like any other business activity, you must approach your networking with goals and a plan to achieve them.

Do You Know Your Objectives in Networking?
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Wireless Networking - Router Vs Access Point

While planning for your wireless network you might be asking what is the difference between a router and an access point. You need to think of a router as more of a server because it performs many functions like a server. An access point only provides a portal for wireless client to connect to your existing LAN.

Routers can perform many functions. Routers can connect many different WLANs together acting like a traffic cop. Routers also act as a DHCP server. A DHCP server assigns dynamic IP address to your computer every time your computer starts up. If you don't have a DHCP server then you will have to assign each computer on your network a permanent IP address.

As I have said before your router can also act like a traffic cop. You can use a router to perform port forwarding to certain computers on your LAN. For example you can direct all internet traffic looking for your game server's port number to a specific computer on your LAN.

Wireless Networking - Router Vs Access Point

The ability to connect multiple computers to the internet is one of the main features of a router. The router is assigned one WAN IP address from your ISP. This IP address is called a public IP address that everyone on the internet can see. Because you have multiple computers connected to your router the router uses a protocol called NAT Network address translation NAT will assign the computers that are behind your routers IP address, private IP addresses. NAT acts as a firewall because computers on the internet cannot in theory even see your computers. They will only see the IP address of your router. NAT does block traffic from reaching your computers but it will not block Trojans from going out to the internet. That is why I do recommend installing a firewall on your LAN computers.

The role of an access point on a LAN is to give the wireless user a door way to enter. The more people that enter the door at the same time the slower they will go. 802.11b access points say they will give you a through put rate of 11mps but the actual rate is around 5MPS. 802.11g has a rating of 54mbps with an actual through put of 20mbps. The access points do have most of the same security features as a router such as WEP, WPA, 8021x and TKPI but they will not have the traffic cop functions like a router. Also the access points will not have NAT which would add an unnecessary layer to your network. To keep it simple access points just simulate plugging in your laptop to a port in the wall and that's it.A router is used on the border of you network to act as a traffic cop deciding who can come in and blocking those you want to keep out.

Wireless Networking - Router Vs Access Point
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Eric "The Wireless Ninja" Meyer is an expert in Wireless Networking. You can view other Wireless Networking articles at http://www.wirelessninja.com

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Social Networking, The Pros and Cons of Social Networks

Social Networking has become increasingly popular nowadays as there are a lot of sites that offer this service. MySpace and Friendster are two of the most popular sites that aim to build communities of people who share common interests and activities, or who are interested in exploring the interests and activities of others.

THE PROS

A social networking site is like a virtual meeting place where people can hang out and discuss different topics. Anything under the sun, in fact. Some use these networking sites to promote their blogs, to post bulletins and updates or to use them as a bridge to a future love interest.

Social Networking, The Pros and Cons of Social Networks

These are just a few of the reasons why social networking is getting a lot of attention lately -- it makes life more exciting for many people.

THE CONS

However, it would be best to make sure that safety and security are the topmost concerns of the social networking site that you currently use. This is because social networking sites require or give you the option to provide personal information such as your name, location, and email address. Unfortunately some people can take this as an opportunity for identity theft. They can copy your information and pretend to be "you" when engaging in illegal activities. Bad news! So be cautious with what you enter into an online networking site.

You could fall into the trap of someone who pretends to be somebody else. For example, they might offer you a job or want to meet up with you just to get your money. This can lead to cyberstalking, where the stalker uses electronic media such as the Internet to pursue or harass you.

THE CONCLUSION

So take your time and be careful in choosing who to trust so you can hopefully avoid this sort of unpleasant thing happening to you. Apart from that, social networking is great thing.

Social Networking, The Pros and Cons of Social Networks
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Role of Information Technology in Growth of Business

Information technology (IT) refers to the management and use of information using computer-based tools. It includes acquiring, processing, storing, and distributing information. Most commonly it is a term used to refer to business applications of computer technology, rather than scientific applications. The term is used broadly in business to refer to anything that ties into the use of computers.

Mostly businesses today create data that can be stored and processed on computers. In some cases the data must be input to computers using devices such as keyboards and scanners. In other cases the data might be created electronically and automatically stored in computers.

Small businesses generally need to purchase software packages, and may need to contract with IT businesses that provide services such as hosting, marketing web sites and maintaining networks. However, larger companies can consider having their own IT staffs to develop software, and otherwise handle IT needs in-house. For instance, businesses working with the federal government are likely to need to comply with requirements relating to making information accessible.

Role of Information Technology in Growth of Business

The constant upgrade in information technology, along with increasing global competition, is adding difficulty and hesitation of several orders of scale to the business and trade. One of the most widely discussed areas in recent business literature is that of new organizational network structures that hold survival and growth in an environment of growing complexity.

Effective implementation of information technology would decrease liability by reducing the cost of expected failures and increase flexibility by reducing the cost of adjustment. The businesses reaction to the environment remains to be the vital determinant for its effectiveness. The capabilities and flexibilities of computer-communication systems make them gradually more appropriate to businesses by being able to respond to any specific information or communication requirement.

Information Technology is having impact on all trade industries and businesses, in service as well as in manufacturing. It is affecting workers at all levels of organizations, from the executives to middle management and clerks. Information technology is increasingly becoming a basic factor of all types of technologies such as craft, engineering, routine, and non-routine.

The advances in Information Technology would result in remarkable decline in the costs of synchronization that would lead to new, concentrated business structures. It enables the business to respond to the new and urgent competitive forces by providing effective management of interdependence.

In the near future businesses would be facing a lack and a redundancy of information called information glut. To solve the information-glut companies will need to introduce methods for selective thinning out of information. Improvements in telecommunications will make it easier to control business units dispersed over different parts of the world. Advances in telecommunications, would result in increased distance-communication. Indirect communication would be preferred for well-structured information for routine, preprogrammed and decision processes.

© 2006, Wholesale Pages UK. All rights reserved.

Role of Information Technology in Growth of Business
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William King is the director of UK Wholesale, UK Wholesalers and Dropshippers Directory. He has 18 years of experience in the marketing and trading industries and has been helping retailers and startups with their product sourcing, promotion, marketing and supply chain requirements.

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Top 5 Christian Social Networking Sites

Social networking is about communities. But with the freedom of expression, profanity, and pornography rampant on the internet, many Christians are looking for social networking sites to uphold a certain level of standards.

I've compiled a list of the Top Christian Social Networking Sites on the web today.

1. Tangle.com

Top 5 Christian Social Networking Sites

Tangle is about expression. A place where you can personalize and express what makes you, you. Tangle allows those to share content (albeit first reviewed by the customer care team) including videos, music, photos and other material. It's video portion (formally known as GodTube) was ranked in value at million from GLG Partners (quite a far shy from the .6B tag of YouTube)...is a cult favorite.

Find feature artists and receive free mp3's just for joining.

2. Xians.com The myspace equivalent for Christians. This faith based Social Networking Sites mirrors the mega-phenom Myspace by allowing you to make friends, shout out, rank, post blogs, even chat on forum and group listings. Music, videos, and games round out the mix of Godly fun. It's a members only site with free registration.

3. Mychurch.org

When looking at Christian Social Networking sites, you can't leave out those focused on the church. Mychurch.org offers free social networking for Christian Churches. You can create a network for your church, share photos, invite members, even post last Sunday's sermon. Essential for linking this web 2.0 crazed nation we have together.

4. FaithLight.com

FaithLight gets my nod for the prettiest design and easiest to navigate, not only does it contain my essentials to make this list (a way to connect with individuals and share media *photos, video, audio*) there is also a large focus on the Bible and prayer requests. FL has a fully trained Christian staff that is also very dedicated to keeping the act of making new friends, a safe one.

5. Loveandseek.com

I couldn't resist. This premier online dating service is for our Christian singles. We know it's hard to meet people online, and I'm a living proof that Loveandseek.com really works. My husband and I met on that site! Post a profile, browse for free, even interact via live video and chat.

You can initiate contact for free and even communicate anonymously to start.

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Social Network Benefits

Social Networking of course is in its infancy, at least to web site traffic generators, so what are the so far under-penetrated benefits of social networking?

Lower Costs

It is significantly cheaper to employ online social networking strategies than to pay for advertising. When you social network, you can prescreen potential customers. You learn what your prospects like and what they don't. That personal relationship you gain when you connect with your potential customer is more valuable than what you would get had you advertised. Advertising is impersonal: the "one size fits all" concept does not seem to work anymore.

Social Network Benefits

Credibility and Trust

Connecting with prospects on a personal level builds trust and credibility. A general rule of thumb is to offer your services, expertise or help before you ask for it. It is acceptable to promote your services when asked. If you're not careful, your attempts could be considered spam. Instead, wait for the opportunities to present themselves instead of forcing a situation.

It's Who You Know

When you socialize, you meet others who know others. How are you going to meet the president of a large corporation? You start by talking to his friends. You ask your associates if they know someone who is connected with him And on and on.

Social networking relationships are supposed to benefit both parties. Never take more than you give. When the opportunity presents itself, don't be afraid to ask your contact to introduce you to a prospect. The old saying rings true: it's not what you know; it's who you know.

There are many reasons to employ social networking as a marketing tactic. Ensure that you have extra time to spend. While it's true that the upfront costs are less, this method takes up a lot of time in research and building relationships.

Social Network Benefits
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How To Define Entrepreneurial Spirit

The entrepreneurial spirit is often difficult to define let alone examine in detail because of its perception as a highly creative and dynamic entity and it is with this caveat that this article is written.

Whilst the entrepreneurial spirit can be applied to a wide range of disciplines and professionals it is perhaps most closely associated with the world of business and incorrectly used to describe many successful business people, when in fact very few individuals can truly demonstrate an entrepreneurial spirit.

Historical Context of the meaning of entrepreneur

How To Define Entrepreneurial Spirit

The word itself is French in origin and if interpreted in its literal context means "between jobs". It is interesting that a word that has come to project the very pinnacle of success should have such mundane roots as a means of describing being unemployed.

This article examines a number of concepts that appear intrinsic to what constitutes entrepreneurial spirit

1. Uniqueness

In a highly developed global business community where new ideas and business models are increasingly in short supply the importance of uniqueness cannot be under estimated and those exhibiting an entrepreneurial spirit are often associated with concepts that encapsulate originality and ingenuity. Take for example, Steve Jobs bringing the Apple IPOD to the market,

2. Creativity

Creativity is heavily connected to uniqueness but the two are not identical. Individuals with an entrepreneurial spirit are experienced at harnessing the creative process to help them produce a unique product /service or advantage. So where as uniqueness describes the end outcome, creativity describes the process of how one achieves it. For this reason those with an entrepreneurial spirit are often creative individuals who are ready, willing and able to actively adopt new techniques to get ahead even at the expense of being ridiculed by others.

3. Risk Taking

In a western society that is so often risk averse, those with entrepreneurial spirit embrace risk taking and it is impossible for such a concept not to be associated with entrepreneurs and the often high risk potential involved in following a new cutting edge approach. It must be observed however that risk is not the same as recklessness and those demonstrating an entrepreneurial spirit are likely to be adept at assessing the risks involved in any undertaking.

4. Business Savy

As highlighted previously those with entrepreneurial spirit should not be considered as reckless mavericks indeed quite the opposite, good entrepreneurs are motivated by profit and are skilled at identifying a lucrative niche in the market that can be exploited for profit. Take for example, Steve Jobs at Apple Computers who has successfully navigated a profitable course in the computing and software industry despite the market being dominated by Microsoft and IBM for a number of decades. In addition he was the first to spot the potential of utilising the computing industry to open a new market to the music fraternity , with the introduction of the IPOD, the market leader in its business stream. Such actions requires great skill and confidence and demonstrate a clear entrepreneurial spirit.

5. Developing Potential

Identifying, Investing in and nurturing potential are also essential to the ideals attached associated with entrepreneurial spirit because of the need to find differing solutions to a business problem.

Established businesses often fail to discover breakthroughs because they stick to a rigid investment formula that has worked for them in the past rather than finding new ways of moving forward.

6. Adaptability

The entrepreneurial spirit is always adaptable and ready to overcome barriers presented by business problems and is usually quicker at resolving those issues than mainstream business thinkers.

7. Ultimately Destructive

Entrepreneurial spirit is ultimately destructive to its own business in the medium term unless those engaged in utilizing the concept recognize when it is time to handover to mainstream management focussed individuals who can maintain and develop the organisation. This is because true entrepreneurial spirit is obsessed with constant creativity and change which is unsettling to employees without good management and a clear direction. Many of those demonstrating entrepreneurial spirit rarely stay long term in any enterprise they undertake, take Richard Branson for example who after launching numerous businesses under the "Virgin" brand has subsequently sold on many of these to third parties at a huge profit to himself.

Summary

In conclusion whilst there are certainly key characteristics which encapsulate the entrepreneurial spirit it would be foolish to pretend that any one individual has all those traits and even more foolish to believe that such a concept can be comprehensively defined. It is also short sighted to believe that those with entrepreneurial spirit are only evident in the business community, indeed many different disciplines and vocations have historical and existing individuals contained within them that could be essentially described as entrepreneurs.

Well Known individuals exhibiting the entrepreneurial spirit : Richard Branson, Clive Sinclair, Freddy Laker, Steve Jobs, Bill Gates and Anita Roddick.

Words often used to describe individuals with entrepreneurial spirit : Mavericks, Tycoons, pathological liars, risk takers, self made business people, successful, charismatic.

How To Define Entrepreneurial Spirit
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This is post was written by J Dawkins who created Friends and Money in March 2007. His site is dedicated to providing reviews of paid survey, social networking, and cash back shopping communities.

His aim is encourage visitors to Make Friends, Earn Money online.

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Networking for Success - The Top 5 Tips to Becoming a Great Networker

Meeting new people is never easy. But humans, by nature, are social beings that depend on other people to survive. We are taught, nurtured, and supported by others. Studies have even shown that individuals who lead solitary, non-social lives end up having shorter life spans than those who surround themselves with friends, colleagues, family and other acquaintances.

Building a large network may seem like a daunting and time-consuming task, but with the right attitude and mindset it can be very rewarding and a lot of fun! These 5 tips are some helpful ideas to get you started on your road to networking success.

1. Expand your definition of "networking event"

Networking for Success - The Top 5 Tips to Becoming a Great Networker

The first step to becoming a great networker is understanding that every single time you find yourself surrounded by people you don't know, you are at a networking event. From Chamber of Commerce meetings to a neighbor's child's birthday party, every time you meet someone new you are building your network.

It is always important to be on your best behavior (look your best, feel your best, send out positive signals to others) because you never know who you are going to meet.

Plenty of people mix work with pleasure, and the best networkers always do. Remember, people like doing business with people they like. What better way to connect with a potential client than socially? That's when you really get to call your clients friends!

2. Ooze positivity and friendliness

You walk into a party where you know no one. You take a look around the crowded room. Not knowing where else to begin, you go to the buffet - more to look like you're doing something than because you're actually hungry. There's a man getting food right next to you, but he doesn't even look your way. He must know you're there. Across the buffet is a woman who looks up at you, makes eye contact, smiles and beams, "Doesn't the food look fantastic?"

Who would you like to speak with? Of course, the woman! She's friendly, positive and has put you at ease by starting the conversation off with a simple statement about something you have in common - the food. You continue chatting with her while you nibble on appetizers and the man beside you quietly disappears into the wallpaper. He missed a very simple opportunity to connect with others.

The moral of the story: ooze positivity and friendliness from every pore. Everyone is just as nervous and insecure as you are. Make others feel at ease with a smile and positive comment and you'll be surprised how easy small talk can be!

3. Be yourself

It's amazing how much we can read into other people. Have you ever had a "bad feeling" about someone you just met? I sure have. And when I sit down and try to figure out what it is that bothers me about this person I don't even know, I usually end up with the same conclusion: the person is hiding something. I feel like the person isn't entirely sincere or honest, or that he/she is putting on some kind of show to impress people. The irony of it all is that these people will be much less successful in their networking attempts than those who let their true, less than brilliant colors show.

How can you really "connect" with someone if you aren't giving your authentic self to the other person? Even if you manage to slip by during the first encounter and make a good impression, eventually your façade will begin to chip and crumble and the other person will end up losing respect for you - not because they don't like who you really are, but because they feel deceived by your attempts to be someone you're not.

4. Show a sincere interest in others

Fact: people like to talk about themselves and things that interest them. If you want to be a good communicator, let people do just that.

It may be surprising to hear that to be a good networker you actually don't have to talk very much! In fact, the best networkers talk very little. Instead, they listen actively to the other person, nodding in approval, opening their mouths only to add a reassuring, "Oh, I see," or "How wonderful!" They also ask open-ended questions and encourage the speaker to continue.

The person could be talking about their new puppy or latest fishing trip - it really doesn't matter what the topic is. If you let them share their passion openly they will walk away excited about your encounter and feeling good about you because you showed a true interest in them.

Notice I said true interest. This is important. Simply saying, "Uh-huh," over and over again while you skim the room for someone else to talk to is not going to get you far in the networking scene. Give the speaker 100% of your attention and focus on what is being shared. Ask yourself how you can help this person instead of always thinking about what the other person can do for you.

5. Just go!

It doesn't matter how busy, tired or hungry you are (those little appetizers will never hold you over)! I've heard all the excuses. In fact, I've used them all myself! But remember, every time you skip an event where you have the opportunity to network, you are potentially missing a unique opportunity to meet someone who could change your life forever - personally, professionally or both.

That may sound like a far-reaching statement, but it's true. Think of the people who have helped you the most in your life. Think of the people who you have had the opportunity to help and how helping them made you feel. Where did you meet these people? Most are likely to be family members. You were lucky to be born into that support group. But what about the others?

You never know when you will meet someone new and interesting that not only can help you in some way, but will also give you the opportunity to help. That is really what networking is all about. As you give to others, you also gain.

The gains might be financial in the form of a connection to a new job. They could be mental in the form of a really interesting conversation where you learn something new that changes the way you see the world. Or the gains could simply be the emotional high of meeting someone new and "connecting" with them on some basic human level.

You will never know until you go!

Networking for Success - The Top 5 Tips to Becoming a Great Networker
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Heather Hansen, founder of Singapore-based Hansen Speech & Language Training, is an executive speech and language coach, writer and trainer. If you want to boost your linguistic abilities and become a powerful speaker, visit her website http://www.hansenslt.com now for free information on how to speak clearly, correctly and confidently! Join her mailing list to receive your free special report, Speak Clearly! and as a special bonus you'll also receive her monthly newsletter, Speak like a Star!

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