Look for ways you can support your network members. It's not always about doing business with or even referring business to them. Some ways for you to support your network members include: * Posting their information on your website or in your newsletter * Inviting them to speak at an organization in which you are involved * Doing joint promotional projects with them * Distributing their information * Nominating them for recognition and awards * Inviting them to attend events with you * Arrive early, stay late, and get involved.

Take a leadership role in organizations you are involved in. It's a great way of becoming more visible and developing greater credibility with a larger number of people in a shorter amount of time.

Focus on giving, not getting. If you look for ways to assist others, you will be rewarded for your efforts both directly and indirectly in unexpected ways.

Don't keep score. "Successful networking is never about simply getting what you want. It's about getting what you want and making sure that people who are important to you get what they want, too," said Keith Ferrazzi during a January 2003 interview for Inc. magazine. Or as Sandra Yancey, founder and CEO of eWomenNetwork quotes her mother as saying, "Give without remembering and take without forgetting." In addition to ultimate reward of increased business, effectively developing your network will bring you: * Different prospectives * Information * A support team * Connections * Strategic alliances * Access to resources * Advice and Ideas * More potential solutions

In his book, Soltis points out another value of networking: ability to bring your clients value-added relationships through referring them to right individuals to help them solve all of their personal and business dilemmas - whether it is a tax question, temporary housing, or a place to board an exotic pet.

As you determine role that networking plays in your business-building strategies, ask yourself these questions: How can I assist members of my network? What are their needs? What resources can I bring to them? What connections can I help them make? What can you expect if you put in time and effort required to develop an effective network?

To paraphrase Yancey, from her CD, Increase Your Net Worth by Developing Your Network: A strong network brings power to make things happen and provides a safety net when things aren't going so well.

© 2004 Strategies-by-DESIGN. May be reprinted with credits and contact information.

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Not only do corporations and small businesses need a mission statement to guide their operations, but so do not-for-profit organizations. See how these familiar agencies describe their purpose:

The American Heart Association: To reduce disability and death from cardiovascular diseases and stroke.

Volunteers of America: Volunteers of America is a national, nonprofit, spiritually based organization providing local human service programs and opportunities for individual and community involvement.

National Urban League: The Urban League is nation’s oldest and largest community-based movement empowering African Americans to enter economic and social mainstream.

Notice mention of product or service provided and to whom it is provided. These companies and organizations know value of a mission statement and how to communicate it. So put your mission statement to paper, communicate it often and review it regularly to ensure that it expresses growth of your company.