Networking is a social activity. As such it ebbs and flows in tune with the annual business calendar. Many professionals lose sight of the annual business cycle and how it fluctuates, often dictating the pace and productivity of networking. Check out the list below and reflect on how it has affected your efforts. Then use the information as you prepare for the next quarter.

First Quarter (Jan/Feb/Mar). This part of the annual cycle is a little slow out of the gate. Don't expect much activity on an individual or group level for the first part of January. Most people, even the most successful professionals, seem to suffer from the "Christmas hangover" until mid-to-late January. Events are not usually well-attended until early February when people get caught up from the December layoff. Groups generally shift into high gear during February, then hit a hiccup as the annual March Break hits. Most groups tend to meet before or after this short holiday period as many professionals and entrepreneurs schedule a holiday where it's a little warmer. Keep this fact in mind as many marketing plans are delayed or go off-track because of this (seemingly) sudden obstacle.

First Quarter Networking Success Strategy. Make sure you emphasize any major self-marketing effort for February. This will maximize your impact on the group. Expect delays in any project or relationship-building exercise that extend into March. You may not be taking a holiday at this time, but most successful entrepreneurs and professionals do.

Second Quarter (Apr/May/June). The business cycle builds at this time of year. Most professionals increase their quantity and quality of networking activity during this three-month span. Networking groups move into high gear and membership attendance at functions is usually high. This timeframe also includes additional group activities such as trade shows, conferences and special events. This is an opportune time to create new contacts and leverage involvement through efforts such as group presentations or sponsorship of events.

Second Quarter Networking Success Strategy. This is a high-activity segment in the annual cycle. Use it to develop new contacts and expand your network. Take advantage of any marketing opportunities as they will have maximum impact. There is a danger of losing control as activity builds. Utilize a follow up structure that keeps you in touch and helps stay on track.

This Quarter (July/Aug/Sept). Many professionals hit the proverbial wall at this time of year. They are not prepared to shift gears as our society slows to a crawl in mid-June. Most networking groups shut down for the Summer, the exception being a group bar-b-q or golf tournament. Most professionals will lose about a month of momentum in their business cycle: a week before they leave, gone two weeks then a week catching up when they get back. This mindset stays in place until the second week in September when everyone wakes up for the Fall rush.

Third Quarter Networking Success Strategy. Summer networking becomes a one-on-one activity that takes a holistic approach. Use innovative and leisure-oriented activities as networking efforts. Focus on the personal aspect of colleague conversations to build stronger relationships. And be ready for when the switch turns on September 15th.

Fourth Quarter (Oct/Nov/Dec). This is known as the "Golden Quarter" in the business world. It actually starts in mid-September when people come out of the Summer doldrums. The focus is now on business until mid-December. Networking groups work at full speed with many events and functions filling the calendar. Like the second quarter, there is usually a host of networking opportunities. This changes again in early December as most people begin their Christmas schedule. The talk again turns to personal issues and family agendas take over.

Fourth Quarter Networking Success Strategies. Be ready for the sprint in mid-September. It's incredible how people seem to wake up and the networking mindset moves into full swing. It's all-business, so stay on top of new contacts and use your follow up system as you could easily miss some hot contacts. Lead the Christmas slowdown by focusing on a holiday mindset. You can actually use this perspective to accomplish more relationship-building at this time of year.