Networking Tips that Build Lasting Friendships

The definition of networking I use is: Networking is a process by which you can create meaningful business contacts and relationships to further your career and enhance your professional life.
On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the most difficult, networking is a 5. Building friendships is a 10.
I know that many of you have become better and better at this "networking thing." I thought I would share one of the deep dark secrets of effective networking - some of these folks become fast friends.
Just as much as no one really understands why you fall in love, it is a mystery in much the same way why after networking with someone over the years you suddenly realize that you have become good friends.
By making every effort to network appropriately, by which I mean with those with whom you have some background connection, you are bit by bit going to meet up with likeminded individuals. It is inevitable. Some of those folks will just "click" with you.
Now comes the hard part. (I know it sounded too easy to this point.) When you "click" with someone, you have to make an effort to perform acts of friendship. Networking, according to many seems to have some evil intent. Were it not for your need to earn a living, I suppose you would just stay in your shell and never talk to anyone. "Networking" is all well and good, but calling a succession of strangers when you need their help is not as valuable as having real friends. If you died, how many people would come to your funeral because they really wanted to?
We casually say, "he's a friend." But would she bring you food if you were housebound? Would she listen to you gladly if you had lost your job and wanted to talk? The "care and feeding of friends" can be exhausting at times, but it is always worth the effort long term.
We are a networking group, but this implies that many of the people we meet will become this kind of friend.
Among the many goals in your life, I hope this is one you will sign up for.
Note: I received this letter from the leader of another group I belong to called MENG. If you are interested in joining this group, check out www.mengonline.com
And let me know if you want an introduction for membership.