We live and work in a time of rapid and unprecedented change. Up and down the corporate ladder, the challenge to cultivate strong networks confronts nearly everyone in business today, whether it"s the public or private sector and regardless of industry. Beyond merely widening the circle of people you know, strong networks foster deeper learning and broaden your exposure across a range of issues. Effective investments in your networks can make you smarter, more knowledgeable and better grounded, as well as a more agile learner and collaborator. And an MIT/Sloan Management Review article titled "The Social Side of Performance" stated, "What really distinguishes high performers from the rest of the pack is their ability to maintain and leverage personal networks. The most effective create and tap large, diversified networks that are rich in experience and span all organisational boundaries." Aspiring and experienced professional alike ignore networking at their own peril....