Business is all about relationships and regularly attending good networking events is one of the best ways to build those relationships.  Getting to know people face to face at an event gives you the opportunity to really learn about one another and how you can help one another.  It allows you the chance to find out what the other person does, who their ideal client is, and what their unique selling proposition is.

I love networking.  Finding a good fit with a networking group is one of the best things you can do to move your business forward.  You never know who you are going to meet or what new tidbit of information you are going to learn.  Most people go to groups with the intent of finding new customers for their business, and that is definitely a mainstay of networking, but don't overlook the opportunity to find new suppliers and other contacts.

Networking has brought me many new and wonderful clients.  Networking has brought me speaking engagements and opportunities to further market my business to venues I never would have heard of otherwise.  Networking has introduced me to wonderful people and companies that provide me with a lot of the products and services I use today.  Networking has exposed me to new people and ideas that help me build and fine tune my business.  Networking has introduced me to fabulous new friends

Some fantastic networking groups that you can check out are:  the Chamber of Commerce, Women in a Home Office, eWomen, CGAA, BNI, and Fushsia Factory just to name a few.  The key is to find a group that you feel comfortable with and to become actively involved.  Be a go giver and you will get more back then you imagined possible.  Find out how you can help the other people in the group get what they want and you will always get more of what you want.

You can spend a small fortune on advertising without getting any customers.  While advertising is good and an important part of any marketing plan, it can't be the only answer.  As a business owner you need to get out and press the flesh.  Find a networking group, or a few, and attend regularly.  It takes time and patience to build relationships.  Showing up once or twice and leaving because it didn't instantly impact your bottom line is short term thinking.