Thanks to me, not one black fly within a five-mile radius of my home went to bed hungry last night, and because of my loyal patronage and recurring need for calamine lotion, my pharmacist can now put his youngest through college.

All in a day's work. :-)

Some people may think I’m crazy for spending hours on end in my back yard, but truth be told, I have answered many pressing questions, made many exciting discoveries, and received amazing creative insights, all while enjoying solitude of my urban oasis.

It is in this beautiful refuge I have set stage for my most rewarding successes.

When faced with difficult challenges or when stuck and unable to move forward, I head for flower gardens with a spade in hand. On many occasions, I have spent up to eight hours crawling on my hands and knees pulling weeds, digging holes, and relocating plants.

Sometimes I just sit on a mound of soil and watch nature's creatures play out their lives in front of me.

I have come out of these "sessions" with solutions to my problems, fully composed newsletter articles, new and exciting business ideas and incredible positive energy.

Often within hours of leaving my back yard, I receive an unexpected phone call or e-mail from someone who provides just what I need to progress to next level in my business or personal development.

The back yard provides an opportunity to quiet mind and connect with a higher power. While digging in soil, watching chipmunks chase each other around yard, and smelling fragrant flowers, I reflect on where I am and where I want to be.

I set an intention to create future I seek and share it with each plant and blade of grass I touch.

1. Recognise importance of networking Ask any successful business person and they will tell you that above all else networking skills are absolutely vital to grow your business. Networking can increase your market share, help you gain new ideas, provide work and perspectives on life and business. Speaking to one person can potentially give you access to over 200 clients and suppliers. 2. Aim to become visible You need to let others know you exist and what you do by becoming highly visible and being set apart from crowd, which is what good networking skills can provide. Be seen and get known. Look for interesting events to go to; clubs, associations, meetings, seminars, conferences, presentations, breakfast briefings, lunches, or start your own networking club. 3. Take care of your image To have success in networking you need to maintain your self-esteem and build your confidence. Consider how you dress, speak and maintain your body language; aim to present a professional, positive image. 4. Always be positive By having an open “can do” attitude and having belief in giving and sharing as well as offering assistance your reputation will soon grow. 5. Treat all events as networking Going into a specific networking event you may experience fear and trepidation but there is also thrill and challenge of who potentially you might meet. However we all have all sorts of events we attend which are in effect networking ie meeting people to build mutally beneficial relationships. The networks we belong to can include schools, colleges, work, social life, small businesses, corporate businesses, family, neighbours, advisors or church.