As a self-described "networking enthusiast," and someone that knows how to make meaningful connections and cultivate relationships, my friends all said it was only a matter of time before I started writing about this quasi hobby of mine. It also helps that I'm fairly adept at hosting great parties and facilitating productive networking events. And then there's the fact that I've been a writer since the second grade when I won a feature in the school newspaper for a haiku I wrote about spring.Why the focus on networking? Because connections matter to business development and opportunity creation (my day job), and the whole point of networking is to connect with others by exchanging info, contacts and experience. I believe that beyond self-promotion, networking builds community and creates healthier and stronger business environments. I also believe that just like leadership and management skills, networking skills can be learned which is why I wrote, "I'm at a Networking Event--Now What???" This was my first published book, but definitely not my last. Here's one of my favorite book reviews:The best tips are after the networking event in chapter 6. There are examples of how to write an email to make introductions to people who have a common interest, yet do not know each other. This has worked four times for me in the space of two weeks. The best part is that once you have made the introduction, then it is up to them to make it work. This is part of Sandy's "pay it forward" attitude throughout the book." - Jim S. Today, when I'm not writing about networking as a columnist for WomenEntrepreneur.com or hosting webinars about it, I help my clients grow their businesses by designing and delivering engaging social media strategies and successful business development and publicity programs. Since 2002, I've been a business consultant and coach.I currently live in the San Francisco Bay Area, by way of Seattle this time around (last time it was by way of my hometown of Chicago, IL). I lived in San Francisco 10 years ago after I'd set my sights on living here so I could spend my weekends hugging the nearby redwood trees and during the week work almost exclusively within the innovative and invigorating start up culture that permeates the region. I'm thrilled to be back in the Bay Area and love exploring everything this part of the country has to offer with my husband and creative partner, Keith Kaminski.