It’s Who You Know That Creates Success

You have probably heard the term before, and whether it is something you actually do or wish you knew how, networking is essential to starting a business.

Throughout my life I have heard the term, but thought it was for sales people or those type personalities. Until recently I did not think it was something I could or should do.

If you have friends, you are a networker. That's it. Networking is about making friends. Getting out there and meeting people. No matter what they do for a living everyone you meet is a potential path to a customer, investor, a needed consultant, or something else you may utilize as a business owner.

I have had remarkable success as of late with networking. Not only have I helped two people find jobs through other friends of mine, I have gotten valuable advice and maybe even another small business that will be a strategic partner for mine.

There are two major parts to networking, in person and online. For each of these there are essential tools that you need to have to be effective at networking.

For Online:

• Personal website – this will operate as a portfolio. It will display examples of work, showcase tools you use, describe you professionally, list any case studies, recommendations, activities, organizations, web pages, blogs, volunteer work, and charities that you are involved with.
• Online networking sites – I would limit this to a key few, as there are so many out there to choose from. For example I use Facebook, Naymz, Ning (In Houston Site), and LinkedIn.
• Blog – a blog is an important tool, because it brands you as an expert in your field. It is important to keep the subject matter limited to your career field, but other than that there are no rules.

For in person:

• Business Cards – it is essential that you always have business cards on hand. Even if you haven’t started your business a card with your contact information is necessary.
• Marketing Materials – if you have your company running already, having a brochure on hand can win over a potential client or become a reference tool for a 3rd degree contact.
• Professional Bio Sheet – if you are a consultant, a professional bio sheet is your marketing material. It is the brochure for an individual.

The important thing is to just talk to people and get your name and your company out there. There does not have to be an agenda or script to every meeting. Just get to know people, try to help people in any way you can. It’s the ones that consider you a friend that will try to help you out or remember you and refer you in a conversation with a potential client.

-Rebecca