Are You Networking To Grow Your Business?

If you are a sales professional in need of leads or a business owner looking to expand your business, there is a proven way to expand your list of contacts, referral partners and business opportunities. 

Networking.

We all hear the word networking and know that it is important, but in today’s world, knowing the right people is vital for the success of your career. Having expertise in a field can certainly get you far, but having relationships with key people in that field will get you farther.  So how do you find these people and build these relationships? Social networking (online), and networking groups and events (offline).  

Social Networking

Networking has become the prominent reason for people obtaining jobs and success within businesses. It is no secret that over recent years social networks have created a new lane in networking and that’s through the web. Many rely on social networks such as LinkedIn  to meet people who work in the field they are most interested in. 

Social networks are a great start to learn how to network, break the ice by befriending a person on a website and allowing them to review your page for a quick overview of who you are and what you do. It also allows you access to people in prominent positions from different companies all around the world. 

But if you aren’t able to leverage those online relationships into real world business opportunities, then they aren’t going to be beneficial.

Networking Events

Face to face networking is by far the strongest tool in relationship building. No social network can compare to physically meeting a person and actually engaging in a conversation about your goals and ventures. 

Having a face to face conversation will leave a long lasting impression on the person rather then reading your resume out of the several hundred they receive in a day on the social networking sites. The good old-fashion face to face conversation will always be your best bet. It is your opportunity to speak about future endeavors and most importantly get their interest in you and your business so that ultimately you have gained a contact in your networking community. 

So How Do You Find Theses Events? 

Research! Join the forces of online networking groups with real life networking and research events in your community.  

Join groups on LinkedIn and see if there are any events coming up that you could be a part of. 

There are many organizations that meet regularly and give you the proper tools to network effectively. The best part of it all is that everyone is there for the same reason - to expand their business and careers. Meeting people with similar interests in your community will help get you the exposure you are looking for.  

Upcoming Networking Event Tuesday, March 5, 2013

On Tuesday, March 5th BNI will host a Membership Drive Breakfast event for the Absolute Referrals Chapter of BNI at the Glen Ridge Country Club from 7am-9am! Here is your chance to assess the opportunity to establish a steady source of business referrals.Enjoy the event and breakfast buffet! 

Please RSVP by Monday, February 24th to absolutereferrals@gmail.com

They will be interviewing candidates for Promotional Products, CPA, Estate Attorney, Office Supplies, Nutritionist, Dentist, Home Health Care, Assisted Living, Holistic MD, Hair Dresser, Printer, Florist, Architect, Interior Designer, Business Banker, and other open professions. 

Only one person per profession/specialty is able to participate in a chapter!