The two powerful tools that help any business become successful is networking and leveraging. It is not unethical and it does not compromise either your faith or your business ethics. So as a Christian business owner, you can use these tools to help your business succeed.

Targeting your network

You are blessed. As a Christian business owner you have access to the best developed and powerful network of relationships that share the same value system. It is your very own personal network, built over mutual trust, often the same parish and church. Within this network you have your own centre of influence, comprising of people who know you well, who trust you. These are people who will prefer to buy from you and value your judgment. This is excellent for your business.

Make the relationship mutual

Remember, for succeeding in your business, you need to make your relationship mutual. This is not just excellent business sense, it is also ethical. These are people who trust you and purchase products and services from you. If you are benefiting from them, extend them the same favor. Healthy relationships are built on reciprocation. Your family can visit the dentist who buys from you and you can get your taxes done by a person who purchases from you.

Social Media Tools

Creating your own profile and networking using Facebook, Twitter and MySpace is an excellent way to do business. Sign up and make your profile. It is an excellent way of reconnecting with long lost friends and acquaintances. Moreover, often your renewed relationships will be beneficial for your business. This way you build both your personal as well as professional network. Social media tools give you another wonderful opportunity. You can use these tools to leverage and widen your social and business network. This in turn means a wider market for your goods.

However, you need to remember that there is a thin line dividing business and spamming. Be very careful. On social media sites you need to put business secondary and your interaction first. Otherwise you lose out a lot. People take offense and stop dealing with you altogether.

Use Forums

Here again as a Christian business owner, you have the advantage of becoming a member of a number of forums that have members of the shared faith and similar value system. You can join these forums, interact with fellow members and build your network. This often translates as greater traffic for your website and greater sales.

Create an effective, full proof follow up process

Have an efficient follow up system in place. You need to follow your referrals within the shortest possible time, so that you can reap the benefit. Your ideas should be clear and logical, your sales pitch convincing and it should not contravene your faith and your values. This will ensure that your customers will be comfortable dealing with you.

By following the steps outlined above, you can benefit from your Christian network to help you build your business in an efficient and responsible way.

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