Last night we had our Gold Membership meeting which is a smaller group for investors to get ongoing training and networking opportunities. Last week I had a mastermind and networking meeting for another group that I started which we call the PACRats. 
I make it a point to talk to as many folks as possible when I am at my meetings and on both of these nights I made some serious connections for deals and for other important business needs. This happens on a regular basis and some might say that it is because I am the "leader" of the groups that I make these connections. Well I am here to say BULL to that!
I wouldn't even be in the position that I am in if I just went to these networking events and stood to the side and just talked to the folks next to me. The only reason I am where I am today is because I constantly pushed myself past my fears and boldly went up to people and just started talking to them. Asking what they are up to and then boldly offered myself up to task. You would be amazed what you hear about and the connections that are made simply by talking to people. But that is not enough! Then you have to take action with the information that you gathered!
If someone has a deal they need help with - offer to help - anyway possible for christ sake. Offer to partner in the deal to help with the work load. Or if you are newbie - then offer to help them with the work load - just so you can get more experience. If they need assistance in an area that you are not qualified for - then go out and find them that person and hook them up! I have made many important connections - just by bringing people together that could help each other - without asking for anything in return. Believe me - it comes back to you 10 fold. When you help others with no strings attached - you get more then you ever need in return.
The folks who know me - know that I am a preacher of networking. You never know who is going to be your next great connection. Talk to everyone - tell everyone what you need. Great things will start to unfold. Trust me! I told one person that I was looking for help in raising Business Capital and the person next to him said - "I can help you with that - that is my business"! Good Gosh! Are you freaking serious? Jeez louis. I learned my own lesson last night! I have been struggling on my own for months trying to learn how to raise business capital... you mean all I had to do was talk to people at my own networking events about my needs... Who would have thunk it?
