While networking is a must for businesses and advancing careers, it can also help you to get ahead in your personal life. Many of the same principles of business networking can be applied to personal networking.

Meeting others and building relationships is something you do just about every day. You should take the time to nurture these relationships so you have a network to tap into for your personal life.

Finding Service Providers

People typically choose personal "service providers" such as contractors, attorneys, insurance agents and financial advisors after they receive a referral from someone they know. After all, you want to make sure a person is credible and worth your money.

Reach out to your network and ask for these recommendations. If people have a good experience, they will be happy to share this information with you. In return, the service provider will appreciate the referral and may even provide a discount to the person who referred you.

It's also important that you return the favor to people who ask for recommendations. By doing so, you're not only building a relationship with the service providers but also with your network. Because service providers are indirectly a part of your network, make sure to treat them this way.

In addition, ask your family and friends for recommendations. They are a great source for credible service providers. Take these relationships seriously.

It can be a challenge to keep in touch with service providers. By sending your contacts to them, you are keeping yourself in front of them. You will begin to build a repertoire with them that will make your experience with them more enjoyable.

With some service providers - such as financial advisors and insurance agents - it's not a bad idea to meet with them periodically for breakfast, lunch, dinner or drinks just to keep in touch. Instead of meeting just for business purposes, meet for a friendly conversation to keep your relationship strong.

Another way to find service providers is by talking with them at networking events. A great place to find these individuals is at chamber of commerce events because these events generally cater to small to medium-sized businesses.

An alternative place to find recommendations is by getting involved in list servs offered by Fast Company's Company of Friends and WorldWIT. With these e-mail groups, you have the opportunity to ask the entire group for recommendations. At the same time, you can answer people's requests by referring them to service providers.

When you refer someone to a service provider in your network, make sure you can vouch for the credibility of this individual. Make sure you have built some type of relationship with these professionals either through your own dealings or through a good recommendation from someone you know.

You are putting your name on the line and you want people to trust you. Don't just recommend anyone. Be careful.

Finding Other Essentials in Life

Networking with others is also a great way to find the best neighborhood to live in, doctor to use, school to attend, restaurant to dine, product to buy, organization to join or hair stylist to use. No matter what you are looking for, you can ask other people for recommendations.

Life offers so many choices that it can be overwhelming. Use your network to help you make some decision on products and services to buy and professionals to contact. As you build relationships with people, it will be easy for you to ask for personal recommendations.

Because most people like to help others, you shouldn't have a difficult time receiving information from individuals in your network. What comes around goes around.

Improving Your Communication Skills

One of the benefits of networking is that you have the chance to work on your communication skills. By constantly talking with other people, you will become more comfortable in having conversations with new people in your life.

Having the ability to talk with just about anyone can come in handy in any setting (such as job interviews, homeowner meetings, weddings or first dates). Not everyone has this skill. Appreciate what you have.

Make sure when you talk with people that you give them your full attention by using good eye contact, showing an interest and asking questions. With the ability to focus on each conversation, people will enjoy talking with you.

By becoming a good conversationalist, you will become more respected and will improve your ability to build relationships with others. Take the time and effort to portray a good demeanor when talking with individuals.

Final Thought

Remember that your business networking skills are transferable to your personal life. Take advantage of the relationships you have developed to get recommendations for just about anything or anyone.