First of all, let’s get one thing cleared up. Networking is not a business card collection contest. Your end goal should always be about quality over quantity and developing key relationships that are equal parts giving as much as taking.

Networking should be woven into your personality and by that I mean you should consider every opportunity when you’re out in the world as a chance to connect and strike a possible business relationship. You just never know where or when that person could help or contribute to your business so always be open to connections, even outside of the typical business events and meetings.

So why is networking so important? This exchange of knowledge, resources and ideas from various connections can be injected into your brand marketing, can connect you to key sales opportunities, or take your business or career to the next level while fostering friendships along the way. Yes, networking also improves your personal life too. Because the best networkers don’t just have amazing businesses and careers, they also have amazing friendships as a result too.

Ready to get started? Here’s a few simple networking tips to start connecting your way to business and career success.