Discussing ideas and learning how to collaborate with others can save you time as your ideas may have been tried before. You can access the collective wisdom of others when discussing your plans, goals and ideas.

When connected with the right people, you can be referred to trusted connections and save the time and cost of dealing with ‘bad eggs’. Working with someone through the recommendation of someone else essentially guarantees that they will do a good job with you.

You don’t need to have all the ideas – by networking with others you gain access to a fresh pool of new ideas with other collaborators. Others can give perspective on your situation and offer a new way of looking at things.

New business ideas often originate from discussions at networking events. Startups are often founded at networking events by associating with like minded others.

When you build your network, you can be introduced to other contacts that may be relevant to you. You don’t have to build all the relationships, because those you do know will introduce you to relevant people that you don’t know.

 You’ll never have to decline work – you will always have someone to refer work to in a network. When others in your network advocate for you, you can be introduced to others that you would have otherwise never met.

By surrounding yourself with motivated people you ‘swim in the same school of fish’ and get motivation from those around you, as they do from you.

Look for a networking culture which encourages coaching or mentoring. This is a the first step to find a mentor and connect with like minded individuals.

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