This is Tip #10 for creating a successful business.

Network, network, network.

I'll admit I've repeated myself in this title, but networking is one of the essentials of a successful business. You have to look at networking in a completely different light. It's not about handing out your business card to everyone you meet. Networking is about creating relationships.

Go to a networking event with one goal in mind - to connect two other people to each other who need to do business with each other. When you meet someone, really listen to what they do and try to think of someone you know who might need their products or services. Then give them your business card with a note on the back. The note should read, "Call me about ____" with the name of the person you think might be a potential customer for the person you just met. When the new contact calls, and they will, give them the contact information of the potential customer. While you're on the phone, you have a chance to get to know that person a little better. You might also want to set up a time to meet for coffee to get more information about their business.

Networking is not done just at business events. If you're a true networker, you find yourself meeting people everywhere. I love being stuck in a line. It gives me a chance to get to know people I would normally not have a chance to meet. I start up a conversation about the weather, the price of coffee, whatever, just to make a connection. Sometimes, especially if the line is long enough, these "chance" meetings turn into real business contacts. Business cards get exchanged.

There's the next step. You have someone's business card. For the first couple of years I was in business, I collected those cards, but did absolutely nothing with them. Now, I add the email addresses to my newsletter distribution list and many times I send a personal email to the person, telling them how much I enjoyed the conversation. In some cases, I'll even send a handwritten note.

You truly never know where you will meet your next customer. Network and build those relationships. They will return the favor.

My friend Cheryl Cook has a wonderful newsletter (and if you like this one, you'll like hers, too.) Learn how to get more cash in your pocket, more sales in the door, and reduce the amount of cash leaving your business. Subscribe NOW for this biweekly ezine here.

Join me at one of the following seminars:

LIVE YOUR DREAM!
Saturday, October 9
8:30 a.m. - Noon
See the announcement below.

Through the Northside Independent School District's Community Education Department:

MAKING YOUR WEBSITE WORK FOR YOU!
Wednesday, October 13
6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
GETTING PEOPLE TO YOUR WEBSITE
Wednesday, October 20
6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
CRAFTING YOUR WEBSITE TEXT
Wednesday, October 27
6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
CONDUCTING BUSINESS BY EMAIL
Wednesday, November 17
6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
SEMINAR FOR MEN: MARKETING TO WOMEN
Wednesday, December 8
6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Each class: $21.00, John Marshall High School, 8000 Lobo. Register by phone (210-522-8100) or online at NISD's Community Ed Department.

Do you have a clear growth strategy for your business?

Can you articulate that strategy to others?

Do you have trouble prioritizing when faced with the competing demands of customers, employees, limited resources, and dwindling time?

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For more information, click on the link below to visit The BottomLine or call 210-392-3309.

Do you have used computer equipment taking up valuable storage at your business? Are you keeping it in the hope that you will be able to sell it and recover some of your investment? Is the equipment dropping in value every day you hang on to it?

Corona Visions will pick up your equipment, wipe any storage (hard drives, fax machine memory, etc.) of existing data, and repair and resell or recycle your equipment. You may even qualify for the new E- Broker Program and have part of the net profit of any resale value returned to you.

Call 210-521-7612 to find out how Corona Visions can help you free up that storage space.