Many people seem to think of networking as something that they need to do only when they need something such as a new job, membership in a club or organization, or when they are trying to raise money for a pet charity. At the point that you need to ask for favors or help from others it is too late to start networking. You should start networking before you ever need anything from anyone.

Similarly, financial planners advise clients to get in the habit of saving a portion of their income every month rather than waiting until a crisis happens to scramble around and try to find some cash. Building a strong network and building a nest egg are very similar and very important habits that you should have.

I am an outgoing person who enjoys meeting new people. I am not afraid to call someone that I don't know well and invite them out for lunch to get acquainted. I have been building and maintaining friendships my whole life because I generally like to be around other people and I don't mind putting in the effort to stay in touch. (Staying in touch does not have to be a time consuming endeavor.)

My oldest friendship began when I was 8 years old and we are still great friends who have helped each other both personally and professionally. Even if you aren't an extrovert you can learn to build and maintain relationships with people that you meet along whatever path your life takes. And I think that it is important that you do that because you never know when you may need a helping hand, a referral, or some other form of help from another person.

Building up your savings account shields you from hardships you might face when the market turns down or if you are laid off. Building and maintaining good relationships with a variety of people makes many aspects of your personal and professional life a lot easier. It is much easier to ask for a favor from someone whom you know well and with whom you have built up a trusting relationship based on mutual favors, assistance, and kindness than it is to hope for the kindness of strangers. I don't know about you but I am less likely to go out of my way to help someone I barely know than I am to help someone I know, like, and trust.

A big part of building relationships is helping other people with the things that are most important to them. When I meet someone new I try to listen to their current interests, personal and professional goals, as well as any goals they say that their children/family members have. If I am able to assist with any of their interests or goals I usually offer my help right away. Most people are surprised and appreciative of unsolicited offers of assistance and many of my great business and personal relationships have begun in that manner. And, I feel great about helping someone.

I have never asked for favors from many of my friends or business contacts. But, the times that I have needed to ask for some kind of help I have felt perfectly comfortable requesting it because I likely started the relationship by putting favors/help/kindness in the "friendship bank." The truth is that I really enjoying meeting new people and learning about what makes them special or unique so I am never thinking to myself, "what might I need from this person later on?" The truth is that my network is directly responsible for my professional success (my professional network continues to refer me fantastic clients) and personal happiness (I met my husband through someone I know) and I am grateful every day for the friendships that I have spent a lifetime cultivating.

My advice to you is that if you haven't done so already start building up a friendship bank by doing kind things for others. Listen carefully to what your friends and acquaintances tell you they need and help them to achieve their goals and dreams. Make the effort to stay in touch with co-workers who leave the company and take new jobs. Stay in email contact with your college friends. You will feel great about yourself and you will maintain relationships that will make the good times in your personal and professional life even better and will help you through tough times in life.

Friendships are like money in the bank!