I'm fond of saying: "If you don't love what you do, then it's work... and work sucks!" This statement goes far beyond your job or the work that you do. It really speaks to your passion in the things you do and how that comes through in your attitude and your actions. It's my belief that your level of passion in and around your activities has a direct impact on the results and successes you experience.

Let's talk about this in a networking context. Your networking results will be much better if you're passionate about the activities. Do you enjoy the events you attend? Are you excited when you have an opportunity to spend time with people in your network or new to your network? Answer these questions honestly and consider your results.

There are always opportunities to improve. For many it starts with the networking groups or association type organizations you're involved with. Are you passionate about these groups and their events? If not consider why not and look elsewhere. The more like minded the group, typically the more enjoyable the events and the better your connections with others. If you do enjoy the groups you're currently involved with it may be time to take it up a level. How can you get further involved? Can you attend events more regularly? Is there an opportunity to serve on the board, chair a committee or otherwise contribute to the organization and further grow your level of passion.

I alluded to this earlier, but the most important area to express your passion is with your network. Being passionate about the time you spend and the ways you can help those in your network is absolutely key. As I frequently do I'll encourage you to consider how this feels if you're sitting on the other side of the table. Do you enjoy having coffee most with someone who is distracted and not entirely focused on you or would you prefer to spend time that is glad to be with you and whose excitement you can feel? Who do you want to be for the people sitting across from you?

If you're passionate about networking and the relationships you've built and are building you can expect exciting results over time. If you don't feel this way spend some time to understand why not and actively work to fix it. Talk to those who you DO get the most excited about spending time with. Figure out why it is that you enjoy networking with them so much and go out and find more like them.

Happy Networking!