This is an important question to consider because, to a large degree, who you know and associate with determines who you become in life. The most successful, well-rounded and happy people are most often the ones who are best connected to other successful, well-rounded and happy people.  When these people need support or information, they know the right people to call.  
 
If you are already looking for a new job, deep down in your blood pumper you already know that you need to get out there and connect with people.  Sure, in a perfect world, your track record and past successes would speak for themselves, but without professional and personal contacts, your two-page spiffy resume on off-white professional -grade paper is likely going to just take up space in a pile on a hiring manager's overstimulated desk.  You are going to have to log off Monster, move away from the keyboard, and find a room to work.

It helps to think of networking as a creative process. You are creating ways to serve and to help people progress.  You progress when you help others progress.  Progress is what it is all about.  To crack the networking code, to build priceless business relationships and become a truly effective networker, you need to constantly search out ways to help others progress.  You must position yourself in their minds as a catalyst in their progress, as an agent in their progress, as a Progress Agent (tm).  
 
A nurturing, giving attitude is the cornerstone to Cracking the Networking CODE.  The four letters that make up the word CODE stand for the four steps consistently taken by the most effective networkers to build truly priceless business relationships.  Effective networkers:
 
C:  Create Personal Curb Appeal   Effective networkers feel successful and display a genuine desire to help others progress.  They're Progress Agents. They look and act the part of someone you would want to have in your corner.  They don't go to networking events looking for success, they take success with them.

O:  Open Face-to-Face Relationships   Effective networkers connect with new people everywhere they go. They also research the various networking event options and commit to a networking strategy.  They get out and about and reach out.  They proactively open relationships.
 
D:  Deliver Solid First Impressions  Effective networkers know their first impression sets the foundation for all future impressions, and they make sure it's a good one.  Effective networkers strive to stand out in a positive way in the minds of people they want future contact with.

E:  Earn Trust   Effective networkers follow up and keep in touch.  They stay involved with the people they meet and earn their trust through a series of progress-based impressions.  They continually find ways to 'be progress' for those in their network.  This is where most ineffective networkers drop the ball.

Sure, being in business is challenging.  Sure, it's nerve-racking looking for a new job.  Sure, people are often pressed for time.  But here is something else I know for sure: People do business with, as well as help, share information, brainstorm, and give referrals to people they trust and value.  They trust and value people who genuinely care about them and are Progress Agents for their lives.

Crack the Networking CODE.  Be Progress.