The key to any endeavor is to have an organized approach, so it is important to create a campaign for your networking efforts. Some key points are listed here:


1. Do your Homework

There a million networking groups out there. You can’t possibly be a member in all of them; no one can. Do some research and learn about the ones that appeal to you and are right for your business. Keep within the parameters of your business. My initial business was local. There was no point in building relationships with people who worked in another state or in another city for that matter; but, as my business grew and I was able to provide products and services for people across the nation, so did my networking. It is true though, that even if you only have local clientele, a website gives you credibility and marketing ability…so proceed as you need to as you grow your business.

You can find local networking groups online of course, but also check the local papers. Typically they have a Business Section. In this section, there should be a Calendar or an Agenda which will list all the Networking events in your area. They will give you name of group, location of meeting, time, cost and topic for the evening. Pick the one (s) that seems right and go! And don’t forget your business cards!

Now that you have narrowed down the networking groups you want to go to, it is important to understand how each one of them work and what they have to offer. It takes a bit of aptitude to comprehend these new terms on the Internet. Much to my chagrin, I discovered this myself when I first tried to list my business in Social Networking Sites! I was “warned” that I could not promote my business…duh, what was I doing wrong? Then I got the full explanation of those particular sites and realized that I was in the wrong place!

If you find yourself making excuses not to go to these events, you are doing too much. It is better to pick 1 or 2 at the most and work them effectively than joining 8 groups and driving yourself crazy. It could also be cost prohibitive to join and attend all the groups in your town. So be smart…control your time, effort and money by selecting the best for you and then create your own rhythm for meetings, events and following up with potential leads. Networking has to be a positive experience. If it annoys you to get yourself motivated to go, don’t bother. Others will pick up on your attitude and this will do more harm than good. Go at another time when you are upbeat and open to meeting people.

You are going to meet lots of people. But let’s face it you are not going to hit it off with everyone. Sometimes you will realize this up front and sometimes it will take you a while to figure it out. It never ceases to amaze me when I spend a lot of time with someone, talking, laughing, sharing information, exchanging business cards, etc. And then, when I call them, they don’t return my call! Even after all these years, I get disheartened. I wonder what when wrong; I replay the conversation and think that I could have done something differently. Until I realize that it just wasn’t meant to be and move on. The emphasis is on: moving on. You and I don’t want to be in business with people like this anyway!

There is a time for networking and a time to do business. You can’t spend all your precious time hunting for customers; you’ve got to pay attention to the customers you have. I got so into networking in my early business days. Going to meetings and events and then following up took its toll. I couldn’t keep up with the demands of my existing customers. They noticed the difference and said so. This was a rude awaking but awake I did and got back to taking care of business.