We're moving right along here. We started with Knowing Your Clients. Then once we figured out who they are and how they come to us, we began focusing on Client Appreciation. Next, we discussed Building Your Brand. Today we're going to focus on Networking Your Way to Success.

One thing I know for sure, to build a strong, sustainable business, you must build yourself a network of people. The more people who know you and know about your service or product, the more clients and referrals you will receive. Some people are natural networkers and love meetin new people and talking to folks they don't know (strangers). Others are on the shyer side, and have to work harder before they feel comfortable and effective talking to new people. 

Whichever type you are, it's all fine. Those of you who know me personally or who've been following my blog for a while might be surprised to learn that I used to be shy in larger groups. Yes, me, The Banana - I used to be shy! I forced myself take speech courses in college and then went for a second degree in Speech Communication. I got over being shy, and so will you if you just practice till you get comfortable with it! Toastmasters is a great organization to help you build your confidence with public speaking - but it also helps you think on your feet and just generally get more comfortable talking to anyone. It's an international organization, so chances are good there's a Toastmasters club in your area.

Which groups should you network with? 

Honestly, it really doesn't matter which groups you join, as long as they're fruitful and you're enjoying building relationships with the members. Many people start in their church communities, as such environments offer many opportunities to get to know people and be known as well.  

Joining your local Chamber of Commerce is another excellent idea. One way to get involved quickly in a chamber of commerce is to become an ambassador. As an ambassador, you'll meet and greet attendees at all the events and attend ribbon-cuttings. It's a double win, as you'll build relationships with the other ambassadors and the membership as a whole.  

Another great way to network is by joining groups that are dedicated to business development. These types of meetings and organizations tend to draw a bigger pool of like-minded people with whom you'll likely have a lot in common, and they're usually upbeat and enjoyable.  

Explore different groups to get a feel for the ones that work for you. And, if after some time, a group just "isn't working" for you, find another one or two to try. Use the power of the Internet to discover the mixers, meetings, and workshops in your area - or ask others you know in your small business community for suggestions of groups or oganizations they enjoy and find beneficial. Also, be sure to branch out - attending several different types of groups is a good idea.  Widen you network every chance you get!

When you get to the meetings, remember that networking is a dance, not a card game. Your goal is to create relationships, not collect as many business cards as you can. There's an axiom we live by in my groups: People do business with people they know, like, trust, and remember. Networking is a great way to begin the process of getting to know new people!

Next up, we'll discuss Turning Your Clients Into Raving Fans.  

Until then ...

Anna Banana

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PS: Do you live in the Phoenix, Arizona area? Are you thinking about making a change in real estate companies?  Give me a call at 602-595-8900 or e-mail me at anna.banan@cox.net. Let's talk about networking strategies that will work for you - and how I can help you grow your business. JDI

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