Network, not just online but physically go out to places where other like minded people are. If you want to grow your business then you need to know that networking is key to your success. There are many trade shows and seminars in your field that I highly recommend you check out. I am not sure what field your niche is in but once you understand the true value of networking you will make it a habit to frequent those events.
Three of my favorite sites for finding out about events in my area are Eventful, Meetup, and Tweetups. There are numerous other pages you can visit as well that can provide this type of info, each niche has it’s own community. If you have a favorite forum or webpage that you visit, check on there to see if there is a community section that lists events and meetings.
I’ve witnessed six figure deals go down by means of people going out and meeting others in their same niche. You’ll never know what your missing unless you give it a try.
My two cents about why I love networking. I prefer not to do business with people I don’t mesh with. Exchanging emails and a phone call here and there with a new business partner isn’t my favorite way of doing business with someone. I’d love to grab a bite, sit down in a relaxing environment, possibly have a drink, discuss business and getting personal one on one time with my new joint venture client. Don’t get me wrong you can make tons of money dealing with people you’ve never physically met but I prefer to build a relationship and go from there.
Networking can literally put you and your business on the map in no time. Get out there and mingle a little and exchange ideas with others in your field and see what you can make out of it. It has done some much for me in the marketing business and I can’t help but to constantly thank my mentors and appreciate what they have done for me by opening doors that I would have never known of. This is all because I went out and networked.
