A lot of people have been talking about business networking for years and how it can help your business, but how do you get started?

At this point we all know that business networking is imperative in our daily business lives, but very few people tell you how to get started making business networking work for you. It's one thing to say "just start talking to people" but unless you have something to say and an audience to say it to, you're really just talking to yourself.

So let me give you a few pointers about how to begin getting your business networking efforts working for you.

• Look around and get involved in a business networking group.
  There are many business networking groups out there, but they won't come to you, so get out there and look around. Ask your friends, co-workers, business partners, associates, clients, etc., which business networking group they're involved in and how they like it. You may have to spend a little time researching the group to make sure it will be the right one for you, but if you find a business networking group that you can work with, it will surely pay you dividends.


• Attend some of the groups business networking functions.
  Now online business networking can be very useful, but people really want to do business with someone that they've spoken with face to face, someone they've connected with personally. Going to a business networking event can really assist you with meeting people that might actually refer you business. Remember while you're there to try to have a little fun, people are naturally attracted to other people that are having a good time, it shows in your face and in your body language. Everyone will see these things before ever hearing the first word leave your mouth.


• Do your homework and polish that "elevator speech".
  Those first critical 15 seconds are the most important when meeting someone new. This is your chance to make that good first impression. Crafting a well rounded short message that at the end will turn the discussion to the person you're talking with will definitely pay off in any business networking environment. Every business person in the world wants to talk about their business successes and you will uncover many business opportunities this way.


• Never forget that you're there to listen, not talk. So many people believe that great sales people have the gift of gab, but the facts are that the greatest sales people in the world have the gift of knowing when to shut up and listen. Learn to hear what people are saying. You'll find yourself presented with all sorts of business opportunities if you spend more of your time listening at business networking events than talking.

The biggest thing I would say is that you have got to get yourself out there, talk to people (and remember to listen!!)

So get out there and best of luck with your business networking!