Where Should I Network?

Building business relationships through networking is a great way to build your business. The caveat? It's a slow process.

What are some of your options? There are many leads groups, different chamber mixers, other focused networking events and even online networking where you can meet people.

What's the best route for you? It depends. Make sure that the groups you attend include your target market or the type of businesses that you can build a strategic alliance with. I recommend a mix of face-to-face and online networking.

Most groups allow you to attend one or two meetings before you're required to join. Check out a few. Make sure the group feels right and fits with your overall business goals.

Once you've decided on the appropriate groups, get involved! It's the best way for people to get to know you and your business.

A word of caution. Remember, networking is about relationships.

Don't expect to walk into a new group and start slapping your brochure and business card into everyone's hands (unless that's the meeting format). In an unstructured networking environment it's a sure fire way to turn people off.

Denise O'Berry is a small business expert who helps small business owners take action to grow their business. Learn more about how to be a successful small business owner at http://www.smallbiz-bootcamp.com

In The News:


pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


Are Your Prospects Walking Out on You?

After 11 years in sales, I've put together and delivered... Read More

Marketing Plans... A Simple Approach To Get Off The Marketing Roller Coaster

Are You Riding The Marketing Roller Coaster?If you're like many... Read More

6 Simple Ways to Determine Which Marketing Ideas Are Best for Your Business

Did something catch your eye in a direct mailing this... Read More

Mortgage Broker Marketing - Sell Problems, Not Solutions

Are your marketing messages to Realtors® guilty of these promises?-... Read More

How to Put the Profit Producing Power of Couponing to Work for You

Coupons have proven themselves to be highly effective sales tools... Read More

Recipe for Success

Special event and a special recipe- hand it out on... Read More

How Much Is Your Popcorn Worth? Powerful Lessons In Marketing & The Psychology Of Selling - Part 1

In the following 'special report,' I will reveal some very... Read More

Value Proposition is the Key to Success

Value proposition is treated as the standards or service that... Read More

How to Run a Successful News Release Program

Marketing public relations gives you cost effective ways to reach... Read More

The Real Path To Big Bucks On The Internet!

"Instead Of Wasting Time Trying To Hit The Lottery Of... Read More

Effective Tips For Telemarketers

I had a telemarketer call me recently. Here's a rough... Read More

How to Avoid the Line Extension Trap

If you follow the prevailing logic of most modern companies,... Read More

Five Marketing Tips to Double Profits

It's a startling fact: almost all entrepreneurs aren't marketing their... Read More

Todays Definition of Marketing. Has It Changed?

With the continued proliferation of the Internet, the meaning of... Read More

Business to Business Direct Mail Offers that Say Free

In direct mail, the offer is the incentive or reward... Read More

The Marketing Recipe: Money, Marketing and Me ? 3 Keys For Success

You have a great product or service? Now, how should... Read More

Take the Logo Litmus Test

Here is your C.I.T.T. (pronounced "kit")[Color ? Illustrate? Type ?... Read More

Eleven Reasons Donors Stop Responding To Fundraising Letter Appeals

Donors will stop responding to your fundraising letter appeals for... Read More

Writing A Marketing Strategy

It is my belief that if anyone is to suceed... Read More

The Real Marketing Genius

I spend a lot of my time reading books and... Read More

Rules of Thumb for Marketing to Your Past Customers

Keeping in touch can dramatically increase business, when done properly.It's... Read More

Business Cards and Business Etiquette

One of the very basic conditions of being a successful... Read More

Top 7 Ways to Get Your Products in the Hands of Celebrities

Celebrities are the tastemakers that drive brand awareness and usage.... Read More

Corporate Cleavage

I enjoy cleavage as much or even more than the... Read More

Should You Clap For Your Customers?

Does it make sense to clap for your customers? It... Read More

Trade Show Display Booth ? A Marvelous Contact System

Trade show booths are one of the best direct contact... Read More

How Testimonials Can Put You in the Spotlight

If you need evidence that a testimonial or referral can... Read More

The 4 P s of Marketing: Effective Marketing Programs Depend On Them

There is no shortage of marketing programs, many with great... Read More

How to Use Business Cards to Network and Market Your Business

You've had one thousand of the finest, most eye-catching business... Read More

Networking, iNetworking, What Is The First Rule?

Networking on the Internet is the same as networking in... Read More

Have You Tried Cause Marketing?

To help promote your small business or professional practice, consider... Read More

How Much Is Your Popcorn Worth? Powerful Lessons In Marketing & The Psychology Of Selling - Part 5

How Much Is Your Popcorn Worth?: Powerful Lessons In Marketing... Read More

Nice Guys Finish First

Volunteering your services can be an excellent way to form... Read More