Networking doesn't have to always be about referrals, job leads and the like. Sometimes it can be as simple as sharing information and resources.

Emily, Colette and I just got back from a nice little vacation yesterday. We went to visit Emily's parents outside of Syracuse, New York. It was the first time we've traveled and vacationed with Colette. It was a dream! Not only were Emily's parents there, my parents were there as well. So was Colette's great grandmother. We all got together for Easter and Colette's christening. It really was a vacation for Emily and I since we were able to pass Colette between 4 grandparents, 1 great grandparent, 2 uncles and an aunt.

When I'm on vacation I love to read. It's about the only time I read fiction. One of the books I read on the flight to New York was one I had borrowed from a friend. The other 2 I finished while I was there I'm going to give to a couple of other friends.

Books like so many other things we typically use once and then set on a shelf forever. Rather then putting a book on a shelf I find it's much more productive to lend or give them to someone else. Especially if you've finished reading the book and know who would really get a lot of benefit from it.

Think beyond books. What else do you have laying around your office that you hardly ever use that someone else would get a ton of value from?

Pass it on!

Happy networking!

Scott Ingram
NetworkInAustin.com