About 6 years ago I met two gentlemen at a networking event. It was one of my first events as a new business owner and I was nervous. I didn’t know what to say or even how to approach people. It was intimidating walking up to a group already in the middle of a discussion. Yet, somehow I found my way to Bill and Bob (not their real names). Bill and Bob had a connection as their businesses were complimentary to each other. When they asked me what I did they both wanted to know more.

Bill hired me for a few projects and has been gracious at providing testimonials. Since our initial meeting Bill purchased a failing business, built it up to a multimillion dollar venture and then sold it. He has a few projects under his belt at the moment. I’ve asked Bill to be a panelist for my Business Planning Capstone at Keller Graduate School of Management and he has always stepped up to help.

When Bill called me a few weeks ago looking for assistance, I jumped at the chance to help him. I made an introduction for him at one organization I am associated with and he set the ball rolling. It appears that the referral is going to result in a win-win for both companies. We are in the process of setting up an introduction for Bill at another organization. This one will be a little tougher, but Bill is grateful for the opportunity to have a conversation anyway.

This is just one of the many examples of how networking works. I’ve been on both the receiving and giving side. Networking is a lot like volunteering, the more you are able to help others, the better you feel about yourself. It’s not about receiving the referrals, but about giving the referrals. Good things come back to those who give.