The following advice on business networking comes from Michael Lovitch. Michael is the co-founder The Hypnosis Network — which brings together the collective knowledge of some of the most experienced hypnotists in the world.

Josh: How do you define Business Networking and why do you feel it is important?

Michael Lovitch: Every interaction you have in business both purposely or by accident is business networking. A big mistake a lot of people make is that they view business networking only as a specific set of behaviors that they do at certain times to create more business through their contacts.

How you treat your co-workers is business networking. How you treat your customers is business networking. And yes; creating relationships with other professionals for mutual benefit is business networking also!

The importance of business networking then is huge. It is a small world after all.

Josh: Can you share one idea that someone could put into practice that would help them to improve their business networking skills?

Michael Lovitch: Stay narrow and keep it real. Developing deep relationships with people you genuinely like and trust is more effective in the long run than trying to “network” with everyone. I am not saying that you shouldn’t put yourself out there, but I am saying that if you spread yourself too thin, then you really don’t have a relationship with anyone.

Of course I recommend people I know and trust – that is a given. MORE IMPORTANTLY: When someone I know well recommends I work with a person they vouch for, I am very likely to work with them because I know my friend wouldn’t risk jeopardizing our relationship.

A personal example: I know and trust Andy O’Bryan (your partner on AudioMotivation.com). Therefore, I had no reservations about doing this interview because I know Andy only works with good people.

* You can visit The Hypnosis Network at www.HypnosisNetwork.com.