The right connections can be the difference between boom and bust.

Entrepreneur Josh Hartwell offers some tips for expanding your network--and your company's potential.

1. Expand your comfort zone. At work, meet people in other departments and ask about their jobs. Introduce yourself to strangers at industry events, workshops, and luncheons.

2. Remember--every relationship matters. That includes customers, employees, and the people who are trying to sell to you. You never know who will become a key decision maker at another company.

3. Develop a thick skin. Not everyone you contact is going to respond. Don't take that personally. Let rejection remind you to be more responsive to the people who reach out to you.

4. Be persistent. If you don't follow up after your first contact attempt goes unanswered, you're not being persistent enough. Never assume that one message is enough.