Excuse me for being a bit proud at the moment, but I would like you all to meet Avi (Avraham) Mor, my oldest son.  Avi is an architectural and theatrical lighting designer who is an independent contractor with Lightswitch.  What does this have to do with networking?

Avi developed his love for lighting when he was in 6th grade and honed his skills at New Trier High School in Winnetka, IL.  He started reading voraciously every article, every magazine, every trade journal he could get his hands on in regard to lighting.  Avi knew what he wanted in High School.  He knew what he wanted to do with the rest of his life and he set a pathway to that goal.

When he attended the University of Kansas (Rock Chalk Jayhawk, KU!!) he began attending lighting conventions and seminars in his field.  He started networking with the manufacturers and learning everything he could.  He paid to attend these conventions and seminars out of his own pocket.  Summer employment each year was done at a business that was in his field.  He started developing relationships with business professionals within his field and his power partners.  Avi knew what strategic business networking and relationship networking was just by instinct.

My son set a goal for himself, and is continually focusing his efforts at building strategic alliances within his market place.  He gets involved with architects, lighting manufacturers and interior designers just to name a few.  He knows his target and he is focused on his goal.  I am so proud of him.

Are you focused on your strategic alliances?  Do you have a goal when it comes to strategic business networking?  Are you building the relationships you need to in order to succeed?