How to Start Networking For Business

Have you ever heard the saying, "It's not what you know but who you know," and wondered how much truth was behind it? My experience is the combination of both that can lead to success for a small business. In this article, I'll share ways that you can get started with business networking and have fun with the process.

1) Be Prepared With Basic Marketing Materials Such as Business Cards.

There are very inexpensive and can allow you to multiply your efforts--you can leave them at certain locations, but definitely have them on-hand.

2) Start With People You Already Know

With close friends and family, most people don't mind if you ask them to keep a few of your business cards with them in case they run into someone who needs your product or service.

With associates, at least let them know what you do and give them one business card--maybe more if they're eager to help you.

3) Join Local and National Groups Related to Your Field and Attend Conferences and Meetings

I like going to conferences. Often you not only meet (usually friendly) competitors you often meet other business owners involved in related areas to your field. For example, as a writer I not only go to writer's conferences but those in broadcasting, public relations, and web-related fields.

4) Take Advantage of Customer Referrals

Give an incentive for your regular customers to send their friends and relatives to you as well--again, that multiplies your effort.

5) Don't Forget to Help Other Business Owners as Well

It can be mutually beneficial for two or more small business to help each other out, even if they're not in related fields. When you help other people, it does come back to you--this is an important business principle for long-term success.

Additional Tip:

• The biggest mistake I see people make in business networking is talking to complete strangers with the only intent on getting them to buy their product or service. If you're heart isn't in the right place of filling people's needs, this doesn't work--people pick up on it immediately.

Best wishes to you!