1. What is the secret to effective networking and creating rich relationships? Our time when used wisely to connect with others is one of the most effective ways to create strategic partners for life. I began my journey of connecting with people and creating a network by looking at the people I have known throughout my lifetime. Many have slipped into the abyss. I grew up in Northern California, moved four times as a child, then went to college in Sacramento, California. Upon graduating, I moved to Portland, Oregon then back to California after seven years. People that I did stay in touch with were a handful. With the few I stayed in touch with, I asked myself, how can I gather those connections so that I can expand them? I made a list complied of friends, business associates, co-workers, members of the associations I belonged to, along with relatives and neighbors. From there, I contacted them, got their email and then asked them what I could do to help them to grow their careers or be a resource for them? Over time, I was able to grow my network just by referring one person to another in helping them reach their business or personal goals. I started with a small group, became a valuable resource to them and was able to build my inner circle of strategic partners. GGoing to networking events is another way to connect with people. Everyone goes to these events to enhance themselves in some way. I find it is essential to always be prepared to help someone to become better. The ideas that you bring to the table, your communication skills, combined with your passion and positive attitude, are the basics of what it takes to connect with others. When your focus is on helping others and you bring value to them, then you are creating strategic partners for life. It is a lot easier and rewarding to build trust by helping others than to focus on your own needs. And so, if you are willing to give value away before you get it, you will indeed create a circle of invaluable connections and wealth.