Whether you are in business, contemplating business, or living life, your network is the most important asset that you can manage.  It defines who you are; to your clients or customers, to the community and to your friends and acquaintances.

Word of mouth is still the most effective advertising there is and you are the only one who can control that effectiveness.  Attending events such as the Economic Summit hosted by VIEA at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre, Chamber of Commerce events in your community, business networking groups, allows you the face-to-face communication that is necessary while learning what is happening in the community.

Joining professional groups and organizations allows you to learn and network in your field and keep current with what is happening so that you can stay ahead of the curve and be proactive rather than reactive in what you do.

Being seen as a community supporter and volunteering through the various charities and their events and being a member of Rotary, Kinsmen, Lions, Altrusa, etc. is perhaps the best definition of who you are and provides you with a base of like-minded individuals as your network.

You are the driver and the network road you take is defined by who you are and what you need.  I am attending the Economic Summit put on by the Vancouver Island Economic Alliance this week to meet new contacts and learn more about the future of the island economy.  Where will your road take you this week?