One of the big things I notice while watching a game is the camaraderie and sportsmanship. The relationships and the support the players, coaches and fans provide for one another, often for the opposing team.

I found myself in a similar situation with a colleague I met via one of my networking groups. We were in similar spaces in our business, but rather than competing with one another, we actually found a way to collaborate. We worked together on a small project and are now in the midst of a larger scale opportunity. Even if you think someone is a potential competitor, when you build a relationship on mutual respect and look to each other’s strengths, it’s a home run for all.

I think networking is very much like playing catch. It’s not just handing out your business card to everyone you meet. That is just the same motion back and forth that won’t get you anywhere. Sure, it’s practice, but it’s a small part of the bigger picture.

A good baseball player is well-rounded and practices fielding, batting, running – all of it! And a good business person practices follow-up, supporting others when they can and always keeping the eye on the ball – the next big opportunity coming their way.

You also have to be ready for the unexpected. That ball that looks like it’s going to be foul then changes at the last moment, the player that steals a base, the pitch that goes wild.