I believe that networking can play a critical role in most people’s business building efforts, so much so that I have even launched my own networking community

But over the many years that I’ve been engaged in networking pursuits I have often heard from some of my fellow networkers that for them “it just isn’t working.”

If you’re one of these folks that seems to get a lackluster return on your networking investment may I suggest the following:

1) Are you really “working” it? Networking is time consuming and can be exhausting; it is, truly, work. And as with most forms of work, unless you are really paying attention to the details and diving in with all your energy and passion, the results just might not be realized. Following up on all of your networking contacts and introductions requires you to utilize a contact management tool so that you can be ensured of “staying on the grid” and thereby having more opportunities to get value…and be valuable…to your contacts and referral sources. Fall of the grid and there will be another networking resource to take your place!

2) Taking the time to meet with your fellow networkers individually means that you will have a chance to really understand their business and they will be able to get to know you as well. Group meetings are fine but without the individual get-togethers not much can happen. Winning business through networking takes trust and mutual respect and that is best gained through individual meetings.

3) Are you in the “right” group? There are a plethora of choices and not every group may be a good fit. Think about the mix of networkers, the schedule of meetings, the cost and the “extras.” Attend several meetings as a guest before making a decision to join and take the extra step. Speak to current members but ask if you can be connected to members that have left the group. Find out what works and what doesn’t and then you can make an informed decision. And remember that even if a group is inexpensive it will still require that you spend quite a bit of time. Ask yourself if it seems worth it.

Simple points, yes? But as a veteran networker it’s amazing to see how many business people ignore these fundamental points.