Ever heard the phrase "network, is just one letter removed from not working"? Do you believe it? Tesse Akpeki shares her thoughts.

Evidence shows that networking is a vital ingredient for extending our reach and enriching our work. Now author and speech pathologist Carol Fleming puts a spotlight on the value of small and  random chat in her book 'It's the Way You Say It: Becoming Articulate, Well- Spoken, and Clear'. Carol  serves up five reasons why small talk serves an important role in our relationships with others:

• As a way to establish trust demonstrating the possibilities of friendship on which other aspects can be developed.
• Substantive conversations start from random or mundane observations. It is no surprise that our love for talking about the weather leads to more  weighty aspects of conversation.
• Our social conversations can pave our future. Small conversations shape significant connections as  relevance emerges from offerings of ‘free information’.
• Helpful simple conversations establish positive familiarity: Doors are open in emergency situations; we find that friend in need through the chance meeting in the lift; the water cooler becomes a point at which we get to know our colleagues more; the light lunch before the board meeting is great to get to know our board colleagues better.
• Small talk can convey caring and affection. Looking for a way to communicate our care and concern for others? Look no further. As we stop to say ‘hi’ and find out how the other person is ‘really’ doing, we  can build rapport over time.

So next time you are engaging in small talk, be encouraged – it is as important a part of the relationship fabric as anything else that counts. In short, small talk matters!