When most business owners think of growing their business, they usually think of advertising. But you know what? If your business has been up and running for a while, then you already have a customer base and it's likely that you also have prospects and business associates. Business associates are generally other people in the same or related businesses as yours. You see them at conventions, networking events, etc. They may be your vendors or suppliers. They may even be "competitors." The big "aha" here is that these areas are where you should be doing the bulk of your marketing.

Let me explain. A study was done with 1,000 Harvard Business School graduates who have been in business for at least 5 years. They were asked where the majority of their sales came from. Of the 85% who responded to the survey, it was found that over 60% of sales came from repeat business. Then these same graduates were asked how much of their marketing budget was dedicated towards those existing and repeat customers. Get this - NONE! Not one marketing penny was spent towards those customers!

So what does this mean for you? I'm glad you asked! (you WERE going to ask, weren't you?)

Since most businesses are doing the same old same old, and since you want to make yourself stand out from the crowd and more importantly, make big bucks and become a household name, should you do what most businesses do? Or should you take advantage of a market that they are either unaware of or just ignoring altogether?

The correct answer her is that you want to do what the others are NOT doing.

Well, what are some good ways to do exactly that? Here are 7 things that you can do to make yourself stand out from the business "crowd."

1. Network: Get out and press the flesh. Meet and greet. Get to know people personally and face to face. Ask questions. Share common interests.

2. Help Others: Be the "go to" person. Who was it that said, "You'll get what you want by helping others get what they want?"

3. Follow-up: You have to honor your commitments! If you told someone you'd call or meet them, or get them information, or connect them with someone, DO IT! And do it quickly. If you just met someone, reconnect with them while you are still fresh in their mind.

4. Planning: Decide what you want BEFORE you take an action. Otherwise, you'll possibly be wasting time and energy in the wrong direction and with the wrong people.

5. Goal setting: Can't have a plan until you decide where it is you want to go. After setting your goals, break them down into smaller time restricted increments. This makes them attainable in your mind and also gives you a ruler to see where you are and how far you have yet to go.

6. Stay In Touch: O.K. you've followed up and you've begun to form relationships. Do you think you should deepen them or maintain them? Do this regularly and it will pay off big time.

7. Referrals: Is is possible that your customers and friends may know others who would want your products or services? Why not ask? This is a great untapped market!

Some of these actions may seem obvious and no-brainers, but you would be surprised how many business don't put them into practice. As you've seen from the Harvard survey, even many of the big boys don't do the basics. Don't let that be you!

To your business success!

Networking is not sales! Networking is creating relationships that can lead to sales.

If you've ever wondered if you should network or how to network effectively, then we can show you how it can be done while having fun at the same time. Networking is the marketing strategy that can super-size your business without gaining all those ugly pounds or raising your cholesterol. If you're a people person, networking is for you. if you're not a people person, this can help you overcome your fears while profiting.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Blumenfeld

Networking has always been important to business professionals. However, as we have seen in this tough economy, it has become an indispensable skill. It seems as though most people don't think about the value of networking until they are in a job search mode. Networking will build your reputation, raise your visibility and profile, and will provide hidden job opportunities.

Networking means developing a broad list of contacts with people you've met through various social and business functions, and using them for mutual interest or support. When you're looking for a job you can benefit greatly from having an extensive network. Statistics have consistently shown that at least 65% of all jobs are found through networking. People may introduce you to others to help expand your network, provide job leads, or offer advice and information about a company or industry. You can also grow a new business and customer base, develop relationships with individuals that offer services or products that you don't, or simply learn something new.

A good starting point in developing your network is with family, friends and within your community. Talk to former bosses, co-workers, and individuals you have met in your industry at professional organizations, conferences, and trade shows.

Familiarize yourself and use the social and business networking sites such as LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and blogs. Join industry related "Groups" on LinkedIn to increase your visibility, network, find resources and share information with other like-minded individuals in the "Discussion Tabs".

Explore organizations dedicated to business networking like chambers of commerce, and networking/social clubs that meet your professional and social interests. Check out the following websites for ideas and calendars of professional and networking events:

• Aggregate networking event website - networkinchicago.com.
• Chicago business networking events site - networkingmonkey.com.
• Site for groups of people with shared interests and identifies events by zip code - meetup.com.
• Calendar of events for different organizations/professions-calendars - techvenue.com/cgi-bin/techvenue.pl?CalendarName=USMidwest.
• Number one business events calendar in the world - garysguide.org/.

Write articles, give seminars, webinars and speeches. These are great ways to become involved and get your name out. Also, volunteer for committees that might launch into something for you.

The key to networking success is to regularly tend and water your networking garden. Building a strong network takes time and will provide you with better market penetration than you could never dream of on your own.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Toby_Nathan

Networking is something that every business owner will consider at some point. But few know what they're letting themselves in for and even fewer know how to do it properly. With that in mind, I present the following list of Dos and Don'ts in the hope that you're experience of networking will be better than my early attempts were:

DO wear something comfortable. But don't turn up in a gravy-stained Tee shirt and sandals no matter how comfy they are.

DON'T feel that you have to wear a suit. This is especially true if you've gained a few pounds since you bought the damn thing, trust me on that. If you're more the smart casual type, then go with smart casual.

DO take business cards with you, even if all you can get are the print 'em yourself type. Cards can be expensive and spending money where you don't need to won't get you more jobs.

DON'T push your card at everyone you meet. Many first timers (and some old hands) think that handing out cards is the only point of networking. It isn't. Worse, some people find it very rude to have business cards thrust upon them. If people want your card, they'll ask for it.

DO relax. Although it can feel like you're on show, most networking groups are quite informal. Have a drink if one is offered, but try to make it a soft drink. Alcohol can get real bad, real quick, even one makes my mouth water so I drool when I speak. If this sounds like you, do yourself a favour, stick to water or juice.

DON'T wait for oohs of admiration when you announce what it is you do. I caught myself doing this a few times. "I'm a writer," I'd say as I looked around the small group before me, letting them soak it in. I may as well have asked them if they'd like to touch me. I looked like an idiot, and so will you.

DO mingle and talk to as many people as you can. If you're shy you might be tempted to play it safe and only talk to people you know. That really does defeat the object of networking, so get over it and go mingle. Getting your face known is what networking is all about.

DON'T spend all night talking about you. I can guarantee right now that most of the people in that room will be thinking sell, sell, sell. Don't be one of them. If everyone's selling, then nobody's buying. Dale Carnegie - How to Win Friends and Influence People - says the best way to get people to like you is to let them talk about themselves. That should be your goal. Tell them who you are. Tell them what you do. Now, ask about what they do. Ask them why. Ask how they got into this business. Ask about their hobbies and family. Trust me; you'll make a better impression on people using this method.

DO consider how you can help everyone you meet. Even if you have no use for an office cleaner or a trouble-shooter or whatever, you might know someone who does. People remember people who have helped them in the past, so be helpful.

DON'T think that going to one networking event will be enough to get your phone ringing with job offers. It might... but it probably won't. Networking is something that you're going to have to stick with. The more you do it, the more people you'll meet. Soon, they'll get to know you and because you're following Dale Carnegie's advice, they'll remember what a friendly person you are. That's when the phone will start ringing.

DO expect to try a few networking groups before you find one you like. Some are more formal than others. Some require you to find referrals for other people before you're next visit. Some are in the morning. Some are in the evening. Some are just like meeting you're friends at the pub. There are plenty of groups in every town so take your time and try them out. Chances are you'll get a few invites from your new networking friends. I got three from my first group. Are you beginning to see how it works?

And DON'T forget to have fun. As much as networking is about business, it's also about making friends.

Hopefully, you now have a better idea of what to expect, and how to act, when you go networking. You've no excuse for not having a bunch of success, so have at it and good luck.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gary_Parkin

The buzzword, these days, is networking. Social networking via sites such as Facebook, Twitter and MySpace are no longer simply ways for college friends to keep in touch or post photos. They are how businesses attract fans and patrons, how celebrities maintain a coveted position of fame (think Ashton Kutcher and Twitter), and how bands get their music heard often for the first time. As a real estate agent, you can use social networking sites to keep in contact with other realtors and keep a pulse on the market/competition. But will Facebook help you sell a home? Probably not; to do that, you may need to rely on a different form of networking - face-to-face.

Face-to-face networking is a tool you should rely on regularly to help get the word out about a home you have recently put on the market or a business about to go up for sale. It will work much faster and more efficiently than depending solely on the sign in the front yard and a fervent hope that someone driving past notices the balloons you've bought for an open house. However, networking can also be tricky. There is more to it than smiling at an average Joe on the street, so here are three tips for how to network and make the sale.

1. Know your target audience - if you are selling a small commercial building ideal for a boutique or café, you do not want to network with CEOs and big business executives with little to no interest in starting their own small, unique company. If you are selling a home perfect for a young couple just starting out, don't network with well-established families working on their third or fourth child. They won't fit in the house. They'll know it, and your sale will be lost. Find the people who will make and can make the purchase.

2. Go to a networking event - Networking events are common and frequent. You can actually take advantage of almost any event within Austin to advertise your name, face and product. But again, know who you are targeting. Do the research to see what is happening when and where, and be selective. You don't want to waste your time trying to interest prospective buyers at an all day beer fest. It's likely they won't pay a moment of attention, and if they do, they may not remember it in the morning.

3. Follow up - it is not enough to go to an event, shake hands, pass out cards and mention briefly the home two blocks from Austin's Sixth Street you just put on the market. You have to continue the conversation. Get the person's information and make a call the next day or, at the latest, the next business day. Show that you are committed to the product - the house - you are selling and that person will likely call you back, meet with you and settle down to discuss the intricacies of purchasing and taking out a mortgage on the home.

There are many other ways to maximize the outcome of your networking efforts. Above are three basic. But don't be afraid to discover and adopt more rules of networking. The more you know, the better you'll be and the more houses you'll sell.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joe_Cline

Contrary to the popular belief of both introverted and extroverted people, both personality types have characteristics that can help them be excellent networkers. Sometimes extroverts assume they are the best networkers because of their willingness to meet and interact with large groups of people. There is also the misconception that all introverts are shy or aren't engaging personalities.Introverts have just as much personality as extroverts, they just express it differently.

Here are four reasons why introverted people can be excellent networkers.

1. Networking is all about developing mutually beneficial relationships.

The key to starting a relationship is to make the other person feel appreciated and to show them that you are interested in them. Extroverts can meet a lot of people in a short amount of time through high-energy social interaction, but networking always comes down to one person interacting with another. Introverts prefer to have fewer and deeper relationships, so they will use their one-on-one people skills to help them cultivate constructive relationships.

2. Listening skills are vital to learning about other people.

People want to feel that they are being heard. And, to help them solve problems, you've got to hear them talk about their needs. Because introverts are less assertive in speaking, they are less likely to control the conversation. But this means that the other person is much more likely to steer the discussion toward whatever is heaviest on their mind. This creates an opportunity for the savvy networker to help solve the problem through an introduction, giving them a referral, or knowing how to solve it themselves.

3. Networking is about connecting people who can help each other.

Introverts tend to enjoy an inner world of deep thinking and problem-solving. Inside this inner world can be a great deal of knowledge and experience that can be put to use to help other people within their network. While an introvert may know know "everyone" (as people assume extroverts do), but if they will spend time reviewing their resources and know-how, they will become a valued friend to those they help.

4. Maintaining connections is vital to building long-term relationships.

With fewer contacts, introverts can put more resources toward keeping in touch with the people in their networks. They have stronger ties to fewer people. Even though the theory of "weak ties" (we get a greater variety of information from people outside of our tight circle) suggests introverts may be at a disadvantage, they can actually turn this to their favor. They may have fewer relationships themselves, but the stronger ties they develop should give them greater access to the people their contacts know.

Conclusion

While introverts may have to work a little harder at some aspects of networking, their personality style doesn't mean they are at a disadvantage. In fact, some skills that are vital to developing a strong network of mutually beneficial relationship depend on the strengths of introverts, including listening, staying connected and problem-solving. If you are an introvert, don't let those extroverts convince you that they have superior skills. Stay focused on your strengths to become a successful networker.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Beth_Bridges

It seems like a contradiction: trade shows attract large crowds, but introverted networkers don't enjoy big groups of people. But there are characteristics of trade shows that make them a terrific venue for introverts to meet people, gain exposure, and learn more about their business environment.

Introverts like to study a situation and take their time before moving into a conversation or other interaction. But they feel self-conscious about standing by themselves at a mixer, after-hours, or other networking event. While they might be deep in thought, they worry that the might look anti-social. But at a trade show, you can just walk along at your own pace, not saying anything, just taking it all in, and you won't look out of place.

While extroverts tend to not worry about talking to strangers, introverts can hesitate about making the first move. But at a trade show, you don't have to initiate the conversation. Approach a booth, pick up some literature, and the person behind the table will start the conversation! How easy is that?

Trade shows are also a great way to be seen (be sure to wear a name badge). Remember, it's not as much about who you know, as who knows you. Introverts can promote themselves and their business without saying a word by dropping a business card into giveaway basket. Sure, you'll get a sales letter or call, but at least they'll have been exposed to your name, title, and company, at least once or twice.

Other great advantages of attending trade shows:

* You don't have to engage if you don't want to. You can look and listen without feeling out of place.

* No need for small talk, the topic of conversation will obviously be about the show and the exhibitor booth you're visiting.

* You don't have to talk about yourself if you don't want to.

* You can pick and choose among the many exhibitors to find the few that are the most relevant.

For introverts, trade shows are a great way to gain exposure and make a few, specific contacts without having to engage in the activities that make them feel uncomfortable. Plus, there's a nice bonus of refreshing your supply of pens.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Beth_Bridges

Business networking is a way by which business opportunities are created through networks of like-minded business people. It is nothing but a way of connecting business people. A network of professionals to connect, educate, share information and establish new business relations.

The process of getting to know people and interacting with them is the beginning of networking - and in turn growing your business. Networking can help establish you and your business as a vital part of the business community, and give you the opportunity to show yourself as a leader in your field. A business biography is a place where you find biographies of noted and professional Business Personalities. It can be considered as an invaluable reference and networking tool. It describes their professional history, their areas of expertise and then offering unique opportunities to interface globally, the ability to meet and network online. It is a place where you will get to know answers to your queries corresponding to your niche. Business networking directories like Who's who refers to publications, generally containing biographical information on a particular group of people.

The business biography includes famous and noted people and can network with like minded individuals which ultimately results in independent recognition and provides expanded business information.

The who's who registry comes in various formats like:
Hardcover registry: The Hardcover registry is used as a highly professional reference tool that can be displayed in homes and offices.
CD-ROM Registry: The CD-ROM is an invaluable and unique tool that does not require Internet access and is user friendly, high speed and efficient.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kenn_McCarthy

Lesson #2 provided some very basic, yet practical steps in developing your professional network. As discussed, your personal network can also have a significant impact on your goals whether they be personal or professional. Let's take a look at why you need to develop both simultaneously, and how to do that.

Developing both networks at the same time provides exponential opportunity in achieving your goals, whatever they may be. As mentioned previously, I know your personal network is much more powerful than your professional network. Why? Because they people in your personal network have experience with you and can lend significantly to your abilities and credibility. These people can refer you for a new job, or act as references for previous work done. Also, these people can cast a net for you amongst their networks that are FAR further reaching than yours that stands alone. Remember, we are all thought to be connected through only six degrees of separation. In other words, I know someone, that knows someone, that within six people can connect to EVERYONE IN THIS WORLD! Amazing power in networking! So, let's now list a few steps on how to develop your personal network as well.

1. Make a list of everyone you know in your personal network.
2. Highlight those contacts that correlate with the objectives you are trying to achieve.
3. Make contact with those individuals and inform them of your ideas and goals, and let them know unashamed that you NEED THEIR help in achieving those goals.
4. Offer some sort of incentive for their help. Everyone in your personal network will more than likely want to help you achieve your goals, but offering them an incentive like a golf outing, or tickets to the next sporting event will provide a bit more motivation for them to help you out, and will more than likely assure they will help you again in the future. Try NOT to take advantage of any of your relationships.
5. STAY in contact with these people on a frequent basis. Where you only contact some of your professional network possibly once per quarter, you need to maintain consistent, frequent contact with your personal network.
6. Ask your personal network to share their goals with you so you can help them any way you can. "Giving back" not only helps your friends, but will provide personal fulfillment and satisfaction that can only be attained through helping others.

Again, these are very basic networking steps, but if followed, will insure you maintain your network that will always be available to you when needed. Lesson #4 will discuss the available social and professional networking sites that are at our disposal in today's high tech world. Utilizing these sites properly will again help you achieve your goals much faster than ever before. Until next time...

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Tergerson

If you don't want to damage your business without even having a conversation yet in business networking events, then you will want to read this article. The 3 best ways to dress when business networking are to go for stylish professional look, consider what impression you're trying to make, and to keep in mind that how you dress can have an effect on your performance - so the saying goes "dress to impress". After reading this article you should be able to dress for any business and networking events with peace of mind.

Going for professional look with style, you can never go wrong. Sadly some people still make the mistake of wearing too casual clothes or looking untidy and unkempt. At the same time, some people at the end of the scale goes too far and dress too flashy and over dressed. It's not a friend's slumber party nor is it a cocktail dress party, so dress for success but always remember this is business networking event. Dress your business attire up with stylish accessories. For the ladies, experiment with earrings, necklaces, bangles and scarves. Gentlemen on the other hand, experiment with your neck ties, shirt colors and tie pins. Be creative and flamboyant here!

When dressing up for these kind of business networking events consider the kind of impression you are trying to make. Because first impressions do usually tend to last so make your first impression the right one. It's not just your clothes that makes the whole appearance impression on people, it's also your smell. So remember to check before you attend the event for any garlic, smoke or any unlikely smells. Even your aftershave or perfume, is it too overpowering? Because some people have sensitive noses so too much perfume or aftershave can make them uncomfortable.

"Power dressing" didn't come out of nowhere. It does hold true especially on how you dress when business networking. We cannot help that people first judge us automatically based on our appearance. Wearing business or professional attire certainly gives us a sense of success and accomplishments. And what we feel affects our behavior and performance. So choose to dress up in clothes you feel successful in, so during the event you'll project that aura to everyone.

As it is a business networking function or event, this calls for professional or business image attire, but adding stylish touches here and there and voila, you will stand out from the crowd and not looking like everyone else. Also remember the impression you're trying to make and be aware that your clothes do have an effect to your demeanor. Now you know how to dress when business networking, get out there and dress for success!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Larissa_Martin