Networking is a hot topic in almost every industry. From Linkedin to happy hours, networking opportunities are everywhere. Beware: not all networking opportunities are created equal. However, when done right, networking can be an invaluable tool for achieving your goals.

Before you begin to network, you must take time and acknowledge yourself. Accept your own greatness (and potential to be greater). You’ve done the work. You’ve put in the hours. You know your industry and you have determined how you want to move within it. Go into every networking opportunity knowing that you are you and you have value. Just as you are there to meet people, they are there to meet you. The relationships you are seeking to create are going to be symbiotic because you also have something to offer them. Stand in your knowledge of self and proceed confidently.

Quality networking starts with determining what it is you want out of your networking experiences. Are you looking to further your career? Do you want to grow your own business? Are you seeking new clients? Do you desire a mentor or mentee? Are you wanting to create a circle of like-minded people? This determination is important because it will help you figure out what measures you want to take in order to create or attend networking opportunities.

It is also important to note that networking is a very proactive activity. Take matters into your own hands and look for events or circumstances that will allow you to network effectively. Email people in your industry you would like to get to know. Search Facebook or Eventbrite for networking events you would like to attend. Use Linkedin to reach out to others in your field. Join associations. Go to conferences. All of these are ways you can actively seek out others to add to your network.

Another factor to keep in mind when seeking out quality networking opportunities is the quality aspect. Not everyone in your industry is looking to help it grow. Not everyone who appears to be succeeding is someone who worked for that success. Unfortunately, it has also become common practice for people to use networking events as dating opportunities (not knocking anyone who is okay with this, but it needs to be acknowledged that this is happening in order for those who are NOT okay with it to be aware). Just as you took the time to become comfortable with the knowledge of yourself, seek knowledge of those who are sponsoring these events or presenting themselves potential additions to your network. It could save you a lot of wasted time.

Lastly, go network. Networking can feel overwhelming to some and come naturally to others. Certain industries and fields stress the importance of network and building relationships with others, but the truth is the importance is universal. No matter the avenue you choose to go down, the bottom line is that you should be networking.