For a job seeker, who he knows may be his ticket to landing that dream job. But for an entrepreneur, who knows him might just spell success. Such is the case in a networking environment. As Robyn Henderson, regarded as Australia’s networking specialist, puts it: “In the networking environment, it is not who you know, rather who knows you.”

Networking is one of the quickest ways of growing your business. Networking is basically assisting others to grow theirs, without strings attached. It is based on “giving without hooks,” as Henderson says it is. While most people still have difficulty accepting this concept, others believe it is the way to go in today’s very competitive marketplace. Wouldn’t you want to do business with people you know and trust, or with someone who knows someone they know and trust?

So, if you are ready to grow your business by leaps and bounds, give out those referrals and receive them back a thousandfold!

Here are a few points about networking, according to Henderson.

1. In the networking environment, it is not who you know, but who knows you.

2. The definition of networking is to earn the right to ask a favor. If you never lose a customer, your business will grow steadily based on the volume of referrals you receive from people who have already done business with you.

3. Turn you business cards into business.

4. Always follow up an exchange of business cards promptly.

5. Networking is a number one priority every day if you want your business to grow.

6. Remember your current customers–make some form of contact every 90 days.

7. If you always aim to create a win-win situation with every encounter you have, you will quickly be regarded as a true networker.

8. Go to a networking function at least once a week. Make it easy for people to do business with you. Always follow up with the people you meet.

9. Ask questions and listen to the answers. Maintain eye contact while the person is speaking to you. Limit your own talking.

10. Treat others as you would like to be treated.

In her book How to Master Networking, Henderson writes, “Remember, every best friend was once a perfect stranger.”