Dale Carnegie once said, “You can make more friends in two months by becoming really interested in other people than you can by spending two years trying to get others interested in you.”

With that, everyday, with someone, do something to express your genuine interest in others. Ask questions. Look for information. Listen carefully. In so doing, you will save 22-months of networking effort.

Tell everyone you know that if they need anything … anything at all … to let you know. Client Referrals. Information, Ideas or Insight. Partners or Staff. Vendors or Suppliers. Whatever they might need.

Tell them that you have a vast and growing network. While you cannot guarantee it can help them, let them know you would like to try. This will give you opportunity to tap into your network and attempt to find ways to help others.

While there will be time that you cannot help, others will truly appreciate the effort. Many times, however, you will come through. Whatever the case, though, in time, you will have the great reputation of being known as a wonderful resource, which is a powerful thing.