Networking…. I know it is time and a lot of effort but it most definitely works. If you are launching a new business or wanting your business to grow and expand then it is time to find places in your community to meet and greet.
There are usually lots of options so try and pick a networking opportunity that seems to be a good fit for you and your business. I recently attended an EWomens Networking luncheon as a guest and found a cadre of like-minded wonderful women in my community. Most networking groups that meet regularly allow a guest to come once or twice to see if it is a good fit.
Once you do make the commitment to attend an event then fill your pockets with your cards, put a big smile on your face and make sure to meet at least 50% of the people in the room personally. If it is a small gathering then meet everyone.
Follow up after the initial meeting is another essential. Take every person’s card and drop them a line after the event. Choose three or four of the best matches for some business collaboration and make dates for tea or coffee the following week. If there is an exceptional connection make a date right at the event to meet again.
The more people who know about you and your business the faster it will grow! These networking meetings usually have an interesting speaker so you may learn a thing or two. And you might even want to offer to be the speaker one month but let’s leave that for another post.
In the meantime, go out and find a networking group in your community and sign up to attend the next meeting. If you love what you do and believe in your product or business than talking about it should be a most natural and enjoyable activity. Have fun!