By the time you reach mid-level management, you need a group of savvy professionals to exchange ideas and contacts with. Here are 7 tips to start developing such a network:

1. Start a file on people's whose work you admire. Get to know a few of them.
   
2. Become active in one or two groups -- professional, civic, or advocacy -- dealing with issues you are interested in. Get involved. Assume a leadership role on a committee or task force.
   
3. Make a special effort to build relationships with successful people in your field. Learn their war stories and strategies for overcoming obstacles and advancing forward.
   
4. Schedule breakfast or lunch meetings with a few colleagues. Try to turn it into a monthly event so that you can discuss both career and personal issues.
   
5. Solidify relationships by entertaining regularly. Celebrate holidays, birthdays, and promotions with co-workers, peers, and superiors.
   
6. Demonstrate your appreciation for the talents of business friends and acquaintances. Congratulate those who have been promoted, started new projects or businesses, or won recognition.
   
7. Be generous with your time and knowledge. Share information. Help advance those behind you. Who knows, besides expanding your heart, they may repay the favor someday.