It's simple: if you want to get ahead, you gotta have Friends.Another crazy week, Friends, but I wanted to brief touch on a topic that came up several times on a number of levels this week: that is networking.I know I've touched on the topic here and well as in previous editions of this newsletter -- hell, the newsletter is called "Friends of Dave" because it is a key component to my ability to stay connected with each of you. So as you can see, I am already a big proponent, devotee and practitioner of it.Good networking takes time and thought. It's not just having a LinkedIn profile where you occasionally post updates that amount to "Hey everyone, I'm here!" And it certainly cannot kick into motion when you find yourself needing something. In order to pay dividends, networking has be organic and a part of how you regularly operate on a daily basis. That said, I was reminded throughout the week about how powerful and valuable a solid network can be. Make no mistake, this isn't measured by the quantity of connections you have on LinkedIn or other social media. I will argue you could be anointed an "Influencer" or "Verified" on a platform with thousands of followers and still have a shitty network. The ultimate value of your network is a function of how deeply connected and engaged you are on a personal and professional level with each person you have come across in your career and your life. Think about it. In order to become a stakeholder in someone's success, it requires some sort of investment (financial, emotional, professional) -- both giving and taking over an extended period of time, sometimes without any return. You have to be okay with this if you really want to build valuable connections with people.But then a day will come where it all comes together and you see the appreciation of that investment. It will not come in the form of a "like" or a "retweet" or a comment to something you post. Valuable networks open the doors, make the introductions, answer the calls, get the jobs, make the recommendations and close the deals that ultimately lead to your success. Like any good investment, if you are lucky, they may also gain exponential value by spawning additional close connections as well.So no matter how painful or exhausting or fruitless it may seem, pay regular attention to the value of your network. Appreciate and be grateful for the connections you have established. Be proactive in deepening those connections even when it may not immediately benefit you. Recognize that these are the people who will contribute in ways big and small to you getting to where you want to go when you need to get there. These are your Friends after all -- there for you when you feel like you are stuck in second gear and there for you when it hasn't been your day, your week, your month, or even your year....They are there for you because you're there for them too....If this all resonated with you, you might like the story in the Last Word this week. Interestingly, it happened to pop on my radar independent from my conversations and observations about networking this week and thought it was too serendipitous not to include it. Finally, shout out to all my favorite Mothers this weekend: Nature, Hubbard, ships, boards, of Invention, of the brides, of the grooms and what not....And, of course, the Mom's that are also Friends....you know who you are.....Enjoy your day!XOXODave