I’m going to let you in on a little secret, the most powerful networking tool known to mankind. “What’s the catch,” you ask? “Is this going to cost me money?” “Do I have to sign up for a year’s service?”

Well, yes and no. It will cost you some time, and you will probably need to plan on signing up for the rest of your life if you want to be successful at it. Whether you’re a business owner, an employee, or someone looking for work, I’m promising you a tool that will increase your potential, create opportunities, and make you feel good. Few things in life can deliver on all three of these promises.

So, what do you say? Are you ready to plunge in?

Great! Then here it is. The most powerful tool in networking is, “Thank you.”

That’s it. Just those two words. What you do with these words makes all the difference.

For example, the last time you were at a business mixer, an after-hours event, or a career expo, you probably met someone new. Perhaps it was someone you could do business with or perhaps it was someone who knew someone you could do business with. If you send them a thank-you note, they will remember you in a positive way and may tell at least three people or more about you.

In advertising, it’s called “reach.” In business, it’s called “word-of-mouth marketing,” and it is one of the strongest and most lasting ways to build relationships.

To take it a step further, even if you don’t think you will ever do business with your new friend, it doesn’t mean one of your clients, neighbors or family members won’t need their services.

Even more importantly, your new friend may be able to send you opportunities. And even if they meet someone else who does what you do, you have stacked the deck by sending a thank-you note. The odds are in your favor that you will receive the referral.

Seems simple, doesn’t it? Then why are thank-you notes so few and far between?

They take a small amount of time and effort. But if you are willing to invest that time and effort regularly, you can take your business to the top and feel good getting there.

Janice Malone, a Mobile-based marketing consultant and speaker, is the executive director of BNI Southern Alabama/Northwest Florida Region.

For more information, contact Malone at jmalone@bni.com or 1-800-781-9599.