At risk of further beating an already beaten down topic, the WSJ Career Journal features a simple, yet effective article on the topic of professional networking. Below are some of the reasons, with my own takes.

Do you take the time to reconnect with colleagues? Think about people who've really helped you during your career. Now think about the last time that you talked or wrote to them. Chances are that it's been years; take the time on a regular basis to touch base with people who've helped you in the past.

Can you help them out with some information, a contact or a referral? The key to effective networking is not just a lot of names in your rolodex. Most people can do that. The key is finding good excuses to contact them. I'm always looking out for articles or contacts that might help someone I know. Sure, sometimes they won't be interested. But more often than not, they will be.

Do you offer help? Give to get. Share and share alike. Tis' better to give than to receive. You get the point. If you have an article, book, idea, etc. that you think might benefit someone, or know someone that might benefit from knowing someone you know, hook them up!

Do you ask for help? Everyone has ideas, and most love to share them. Why don't you just give them all a chance? Talk about places where I'm struggling and ask for ideas. You'll be amazed at the results you get, and, you start the virtuous cycle of really adding value and helping one another.

Do you just check in? Do you sometimes just check in to see how your network contacts are doing, without an agenda? Great idea, but I always try to follow the 'give to get' rule. Share. Send a great article, book excerpt, or something that the person might have an interest in. I adovcate always seeking to add value to your network.