The current statistics for cold-calling success rates state that for every 100 cold calls you make, you can expect about three appointments, out of which you might score one sale. Does this sound like an efficient use of your time? Networking is the art of connection. It is the starting point in the relationship-building process. In its simplest form, networking is a subtle, soft-sell approach to marketing. In its most powerful form, it is a means of building a very efficient, highly proactive team of partners who can provide you with an endless flow of referrals. People do business with people they know, like and trust. The first of those criteria is to know you. This is why we network.