Networking Advice for Small Businesses Owners

Networking is an invaluable tool that anyone in the business world can utilize. Effective networking can be your best form of marketing, as well as being extremely affordable. The purpose of networking can vary based on one's own agenda, yet the primary focus is to meet people, and have people meet you. In other words, you have the opportunity to market yourself and your business in a relaxed, social situation. This often proves to be a comfortable situation for all involved.

There are many opportunities to network in virtually every community on some scale. For a new small business owner, usually the most productive starting point would be to contact your local chamber of commerce or other organization that suits your field of business. Most chambers of commerce and professional organizations have membership dues that can be a considerable amount of money. To make sure that the organization is right for you before you join and pay dues, it is usually acceptable to request to visit the group first as a guest at no charge. This will enable you to get to know the group, get the feel of the group, and make sure it is right for you without putting out any money first.

You may want to visit, and possibly join, several chambers or organizations, but whatever you choose to do, it will only be effective if you use it. Regular attendance at the meetings is extremely important for effective networking. As you attend the meetings, you will be recognized by more and more people as well as getting to know more and more people, and this facilitates you reaching your goal. People will know you and your company and refer to you, and you will do the same for them to reciprocate. Personal referrals and word of mouth advertising is invaluable and highly effective.

To make the most of your networking meeting, here are a few guidelines you should follow:

• Arrive early. If you are there before the mass of the group, you are assured the maximum opportunity to meet everyone.

• Arrive with a goal in mind. Before the meeting, set a goal for yourself for that day, and then achieve it. Don't arrive at the meeting feeling lackadaisical or unfocused. Take some time for yourself to get yourself focused before the meeting.

• Make sure you have writing materials and plenty of business cards and/or brochures.

• Make sure you have a purse or briefcase to deposit the materials and business cards that you will accumulate.

• Make sure to shake hands with everyone you meet.

• Don't be afraid to approach people you don't know, and introduce yourself.
  Wear a name tag identifying your name and company name.

• Don't hard sell yourself or your company. Networking meetings are to be social and semi-informal/relaxed.

• Do your best to remember names of individuals you have met.

• Follow up after networking meetings with everyone you have met. E-mail is a good initial follow-up method, which could then lead to a phone call, and then maybe some business referrals for you!