The brief story below says it all—
"When a regional bank opened a new office in town, bank officers visited my friend, Tom and asked him to be on their advisory board. He demurred not knowing what he could bring to the bank, yet they insisted. He took the advice of an older colleague, bought some of the bank stock and networked at advisory board meetings.
Out of the blue, the bank asked Tom for a proposal on an executive compensation program for their officers. Tom reached out to his home office for help and made the proposal. Seven months later it became a reality when he was ushered into a conference room with the bank president and 25 officers to take applications for the new plan.
Over the next few years, more opportunities developed and throughout it all, Tom maintained contact with board members and executives. He did the little things: remembering birthdays and anniversaries, arranging for unique gifts appropriate to the client, such as a special pen, a cricket ball or a collectible hockey puck or recognition at a public event; concert seats and box seats at a game.
Tom's networking skills paid off in many ways. He qualified for numerous company awards, life time membership in the Million Dollar Round Table and many accolades.
At almost 80 years of age, Tom is still in his office daily to review client files, make the call and checking in with his clients. What else could you ask for after fifty years of enjoying what you do daily. And Tom doesn't even think this is 'networking'."
"Do what you love and the business will follow" Marsha Sinetar
— Paul Brustowicz