Most small business owners and those in network marketing know the conventional ways to network and make new business contacts. Joining your local Chamber of Commerce, for instance, or joining any other group of small business owners.
Those entrepreneurs who achieve the most success use less common methods, find unique networking resources and often connect in very different ways. It is a lifestyle change for the really great networkers, something they do every day, and always thinking of more creative ways to connect with people about their business.
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If you’re open to trying some new ways to connect with people, there several easy ones.
· Local groups not involved in the “business world.” Attend and participate in various community/civic board and neighborhood meetings. Get active in meetings and activities at your children’s school. Becoming involved in this type of meeting can offer many opportunities to network with your neighbors and those who live and work in your area.
· Wasting Time – We all know that no matter how well we plan our schedules, there will always be times when you have nothing to do but wait. Instead of being bored and getting frustrated while waiting in a long line and your motor vehicles office, take advantage of this opportunity to chat with someone else in line. It’s possible that the conversation can lead to an opportunity to mention your business. If that happens, you just may find a customer or someone who would like to refer someone to you.
· Don’t be Shy: If you are normally not a very outgoing person, it is in your best interest to push yourself beyond your comfort zone and boldly start a conversation with people wherever you go. When you’re in an airplane or on a bus, for instance, even standing in line at the grocery store are all great times to push yourself and talk to people around you. It could well lead creating a new network. Connection.
· Talk to the Top: Many small business owners limit their networking to others who own small business owners, or individuals they know. That is, people in a similar level to themselves in the business world. Have you ever considered approaching people with more “clout” in your industry? If you find an opportunity to place your product or service to someone high up in a company who may benefit by it, do not waste the opportunity. Once you’ve gotten your business’ message to one powerful person, it may just open doors for you with others. This could lead to growth of your business more quickly.
· Media Marketing Outside the Norm: We all realize the importance of social media marketing, but top networkers don’t limit themselves to Facebook fan pages or Twitter feeds. Instead, they spend time regularly, often daily, participating in social communities relating to their fields and other networks directed more toward business than “friendships.” Getting your name and that of your business out there, in as many places as possible, can be a very powerful way to create new contacts.
