Networking is a tried and true path for success in business. With the proliferation of technology, most significantly social media platforms, the value, and definition of networking has reached new heights. So, are you making the most of networking in your business?

Networking expert Dr. Ivan Misner, known as the father of modern networking and founder and chairman of BNI, the world’s largest business networking organization, as well as New York Times Best Selling author, recently discussed networking trends in the entrepreneur.com article “Three Networking Trends to Watch”.

One key observation Misner makes is that we’ll see the proliferation of online communities, with limited, niche access. The members’ shared values and goals, along with good old fashioned ‘face time’ will strengthen these connections.

He also feels private industry will begin to offer more education on business networking. The caveat to the consumer is to ensure the company offering the training has established chops in the field.

In addition to these observations, it’s important to remember just what networking is all about, and that you devote the time to it in your business that it deserves.

First of all, it’s important to remember why you’re networking. In most cases, ultimately, you want to increase the profitability of your business. However, networking can perhaps be seen as a journey – along the way to increasing your profitability, you can meet and assist others with their goals, education and profitability. Essentially, you get what you give.

So, what makes for effective networking? Being sincere and building trust, along with relationships. Along with that, from time to time, it’s critical to evaluate if the groups, organizations, meetings and/or events you attend regularly are geared toward your interests, or your market niche. Is the motivation of the other members the same as yours; i.e., learning, volunteering, education?

Do you hold any leadership position within the organizations/groups to which you belong? This is a great way to gain visibility in the community and meet even more people.

When you speak with the members in the group, do you ask open ended questions? And while we’re on the subject, are your listening skills up to snuff? Are you so interested in your own agenda that it’s hard for you to pay attention to what others are saying? Or are you asking questions, and giving the other person a chance to speak?

Do people come to you for information, or support? Knowing what you have to offer, in regards to your education, skills, knowledge and expertise is a must, not only to promote your own business, and other interests, but as a means of promoting yourself among your peers. By making known what you have to offer to others, people will seek you out, thus boosting your visibility and networking potential.

Keep an open mind. Staying in tune with the people in the organizations in which you network, face to face, and online, will help you stay on top of trends and opportunities, and perhaps help you to know when it might be time for a change.

And last, but certainly not least, remembering good manners, in all your dealings, is always a must for any positive networking. No matter the technological platform, ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ never go out of style.