Networking

Networking is the foundation of all business development activities from the kid with the lemonade stand on the corner to the largest, most profitable companies in the world.  Many people think they know what networking is but few have a good understanding of this most valuable tool.  Attending the occasional party or meeting with other parents at the Saturday soccer game isn’t really considered networking if you are serious about using it as a tool to build a business.  It’s a start but to really develop your business networking needs to have regular contact with the ultimate purpose of developing more business.  It is this sincere and constant effort to help others, anticipating that you will, in turn, be helped that can take your business to the next level.

What does networking involve and why is it important?  The simple answer is that it works but there is more to it than that.  Networking involves defining possible contacts, determining you purpose and developing a plan of action committing the time and energy necessary to produce results.  Quality relationships take time and if done in the right way will get stronger but they have to be maintained with regular contact.  Networking works best with people of the same age group or interests.  Simply put, people do business with people they like, trust and feel comfortable around.  That’s a great place to start but to really make networking work effectively you will also have to go out and establish new relationships while maintaining those you have already established.  There can never be too many people to contact and network with if you intend to be successful no matter the business.