If you’ve counted on those few extra days from time you mail your check and time check clears your bank, beware! Many credit card issuers have switched from traditional method of processing checks to a new electronic process. This new system shaves off a day or more from traditional method it normally takes for your check to clear by electronically debiting your account.

If you’re considering paying your credit card bills online, check to see if any additional fees will be charged for using this type of payment. I recently received an e-mail message from one of my credit card companies announcing how easy it would be to make my payments online. Included in fine print at bottom of e-mail was this note - “A fee of up to $14.95 may be charged for this service and will be deducted from your checking account”. Hmmm, spend 37 cents on postage and mail my payment five days before due date or pay now and get charged an additional $14.95 fee? I’ll bet you can guess which choice I made.

Taking time to carefully read and understand your credit card agreement now will help you save money by avoiding unnecessary fees or climbing interest rates later down road.

5, You will also gain insights into industry happenings through your regular contact with decision-makers, like-minded peers and training opportunities.

6, Because these networks are there to support not only their members (you) but mainly parent organization (your company), your involvement in a successful network project will lead to recognition and consequently, advancement opportunities.

7, Education and advancement. Company networks regularly offer skill-building opportunities through seminars, professional training sessions, and mentor relationships. Take advantage of all of them to advance your career and expand your knowledge base!

Here are a couple of tips to make most of your network participation

How to find RIGHT networking group?

Join one that not only has an active agenda but also boasts endorsement and personal involvement of a senior manager you respect and want to learn from.

One more tip in closing:

Before you join a networking group, make sure that you create a plan and in it define what it is that you want out of your network participation and contribute to your network accordingly.

Good luck networking WITHIN your company! Because internal company networks work with basically every level of corporate hierarchy, you will get exposure to and contact with major decision-makers within company.

These networks serve as bridges connecting a variety of professionals from all levels within an organization. By becoming a member of such networks, you will gain an incredible career advantage and will develop friendship, professional contacts, expand your knowledge base and, ultimately, benefit your career for a long time to come.