A personal network is a set of human contacts known to an individual, with whom that individual would expect to interact at intervals to support a given set of activities.

Personal networks are intended to be mutually beneficial–extending the concept of teamwork beyond the immediate peer group. The term is usually encountered in the workplace, though it could apply equally to other pursuits outside work.

Personal networking is the practice of developing and maintaining a personal network, which is usually undertaken over an extended period.

Personal networking is often encouraged by large organizations, in the hope of improving productivity, and so a number of tools exist to support the maintenance of networks. Many of these tools are IT-based, and use Web 2.0 technologies.

Care should be taken not to confuse a personal network with a Personal area network.

Valorie Burton is a life coach, author, and motivational speaker. Her published works include Listen to Your Life, What’s Really Holding You Back?, Rich Minds, Rich Rewards, Why Not You? 28 Days to Authentic Confidence, How Did I Get So Busy? The 28-Day Plan to Free Your Time, Reclaim Your Schedule, Reconnect With What Matters Most, and her latest book Where Will You Go from Here?. She is a columnist for BlackAmericaWeb.com and is a frequent guest on CNNs Reclaim Your Career segment. She co-hosted the Emmy-award winning television program Aspiring Women, which aired on the Total Living Network. She is also the former co-host of the national daily television program, The Potter’s Touch with T.D. Jakes, which aired weekdays on the TBN.

She was appointed by Texas Governor Rick Perry to the Governor's Commission for Women and served a two-year term (2001–2003). She is a former Miss Black Texas USA, Miss Black USA "top 10" finalist, and a runner-up to Miss Texas.

She grew up moving a number of times as a military kid, the child of an Air Force family, living in Florida, West Germany and Colorado. She spent eight years in Dallas, Texas, where she launched and ran a public relations firm. Valorie Burton graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a master's degree in applied positive psychology. She is also a graduate of Florida State University and has a master's degree in journalism from Florida A&M University. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia.