No matter how slick your ads are or how glossy your brochures look, a recommendation or referral from a person your prospects trust will win every time. And nothing beats a face to face meeting to encourage people to refer you.

By networking with colleagues, businesses and potential customers, people can learn more about who you are and what you do.

Networking is not hard. (really!)

Networking is just like attending a social function. The best part is, you already have something in common with everyone there, you’re in business! Listen and learn. Ask questions and always listen. This is a great opportunity to find out more about potential clients, their concerns, challenges and how you might be of service. Remember a “who are you and what can you do for me” attitude is bad for business.  Networking works best when it’s conversational and there’s no pressure to make a sale.

Here are a few places to network that could be beneficial to you.

Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade

These groups can provide valuable exposure within a particular community or area . Some members may not be in your target market, however, they can be strategic in providing leads and referrals. These organizations also have opportunities for small businesses to promote themselves through trade shows, Lunch & Learns and co-op advertising.

Community Service Organizations

As well as ‘good karma’ it’s a great way to promote your business. Most of these organizations are on super tight budgets and by offering your services pro bono to help out, you will be ‘helped out’ by free exposure. Most people have no idea what their fellow member do and what’s more, they may also be potential customers.

Professional and Industry specific Associations

Almost every kind of industry or business has a national or even global association that represents their members’ interests. Many of them have local chapters with regular meetings (usually once a month) and events both social and educational. These organizations can provide a great source of contacts both locally, nationally and world wide.

Now Go Get Connected!

About Cathy Kuzel

With 25+ years of experience as a successful Entrepreneur and Business Consultant helping Entrepreneurs succeed, she is recognized across Canada for her in-house and public seminars on “All Things Small Biz”. Named one of the Top Ten Mentors in Canada, Cathy is the Founder of The Connected Woman Association, Author of “Are You a Collector or a Connector?”; “I’m on the Phone!”; the internationally known “Daily Espressos” and is a networking maven.