If you are fortunate enough to have a network of indispensable allies who contribute to the welfare of your company or the prosperity of your career, taking the time to nurture the relationship is essential to adding greater depth and strengthening the bonds you share. Listed below are some surefire ways to nurture your network.

MAKE REFERRALS: When you send someone in your network a prospective paying client what you are in essence saying is: I had a choice of where to send this person and I chose you because I have trust in your expertise and your ability to deliver the results that the client is seeking. It also says that I trust you with upholding my reputation. After all, a bad referral reflects negatively on both parties.

GET IN TOUCH WITH THEIR NEEDS: Everyone is busy these days. But what are they busy with? Fulfilling needs. When is the last time you asked one of your allies what new projects they are working on? What challenges they are currently facing? What future goals they are trying to reach? Or better still, what can you do to help? In a thriving network, allies take care of the needs of those that take care of them.

OFFER SOLUTIONS: All of us have challenges (though some of us perceive our challenges as problems) that we face on a daily basis. Whether it's marketing a new service, promoting a new product, improving operations, reducing overhead, or expanding into other areas. Why not offer solutions to someone who you know is wrestling (or may soon be wrestling) with an issue that you've already conquered? Benefiting from the experience of others is what builds communities and keeps them strong.

SEND A THANK YOU NOTE: It's becoming increasingly rare to find hand-written letters, thank you notes, and cards in your mailbox these days. Everyone likes to receive them. Why not send a note to thank someone for something they've done for you? Whether it's a note expressing how much you value them as an ally, or a card to wish someone well, it will create a personal connection and add a human touch to your networking efforts.

SHARE A MEAL: Breaking bread is a universal phenomenon (if you are a carb watcher break salad). No matter how busy people are, they have to take time out of their day to eat at some point. Even those those who are accustomed to eating on the run will welcome a lunch or dinner invitation offered at your expense. As a tip, when relationships are new, probe people for the favorite restaurants or cuisines. They are more likely to share a meal with you when you suggest meeting at such-and-such restaurant that they love.

SEND RELEVANT ARTICLES: Every industry has trade publications, websites, and newsletters that contain information and activities that take place within it. If you happen to know someones' passions and pursuits, send them an article that will be of use or interest to them. Better yet, subscribe to a trade magazine which captures their interests (and you will pay for). It's relatively cheap (about the price of meal) and it's a thoughtful way of showing that you are dialed into their interests.

INQUIRE ABOUT LOVED ONES: Most of us are motivated to work so that we can take care of ourselves and our loved ones. When you make a simple inquiry about someone's significant other or their children, it shows that you work is not the only thing you think about (though it may very well be the basis of the relationship). Showing sensitivity and concern for family members (and family matters) further humanizes the relationship and creates an acknowledgment of the people who carry the most significance in the lives of your allies.

STAY IN TOUCH: We're all guilty of losing touch from time-to-time, but not recognizing when it's time to get back in touch is a serious professional oversight that will result in you getting overlooked for future opportunities. Along the same lines, don't commit the social offense of only coming around when you need something from an ally; keep the lines of communication open by engaging in the aforementioned activities listed in this article and you will put yourself in a much more favorable position to serve the needs of others, while getting what you need and want in the process.

Remember that we do more for those we like, than those who we think are just using us. Hopefully these tips will help you nurture your network and strengthen your alliances for years to come.

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