Why network?

Last week I went to a networking meeting for the first time in about 8 months, as part of my new commitment this year. After being at this meeting, I wondered why I had stayed away for so long. Even if you don't have a business you want to promote, having some type of group meeting to go to on a regular basis has so many benefits. This group in particular is a business networking group. After mingling, everyone passes out their business cards and gets to talk for a couple minutes about their business. Meetings like this help to keep me sharp, meet great people, in addition to the possibilities to generate new business. It's also a form of accountability because it is noticed when you are not around. Regardless of where and how, it is extremely beneficial to get out there and continue to widen our circles.