What is Business Networking?

Business networking is when a group of like-minded business people gather to meet and help each other.  That doesn't mean that every time you attend a networking meeting you are going to immediately make a contact with someone who can help you with your business or that you can help them.  Networking is not about how many business cards you give out or how many people you talk to in one night.  It does however provide an opportunity for you to build relationships with other business people in your community and that is never a bad thing.  You may make a favourable impression with someone about yourself or your business and not even realize it.  When you do make an important contact, follow up afterwards with a note or a card or an invitation to have coffee together to discuss your mutual interests.  These are 10 basic rules of good networking:

• Do not have the attitude of "what's in it for me"?
• Be a good listener.
• Build relationships.
• Give referrals for other services or businesses besides your own that may be useful to your fellow "networkers".
• Do not ask for referrals without explaining your needs - tell them your "story".
• Be specific about the type of referral you are giving or wanting.
• Always thank the person who gave you the referral.
• Follow up on the referral as soon as possible.
• Let the person know that "so&so" referred you to them.
• Have fun!