And, if it doesn’t come knocking – pay it a visit.
Networking is probably the cheapest most readily available resource for growing your business. And opportunities for spreading the word and expanding your circle are all around you. You just have to be aware.
As soon as you start holding meetings, seeking clientele, placing help wanted ads, or writing grant proposals – you are letting the world in on your business. Good networking goes beyond your inner circle, though. Good networking means that you get out there, you attend parties and meetings – and you let people know you exist.
A few months back, before we’d even put out our first issue of yellow, I was invited to a social gathering of senators, actors, investors and creatives. It was a mish mosh of people coming together to learn about someone else’s new project – and my husband and I were invited. Bottom line is that we didn’t go. And I’m still kicking myself in the head and wondering what kind of affect that meeting would’ve had on our business.
Maybe we could’ve hooked up with someone with a bit more influence, and maybe that person could’ve endorsed us, sponsored us, or simply just told all of their friends and family about us. I’ll never know.
I say that I believe in applying the Law of Averages to my business – which basically just means that I tell everyone about it. And each person that I tell helps lead me to where I need to be. I had the opportunity to get readers and sponsors at that meeting and I missed it.
Creative types are always connecting and having gatherings in the name of entrepreneurship. My college has an Alumni Night once a month for the sole purpose of bringing us together to swap cards and services. Craig’s List even lists local events that are probably worthy of our attendance. On top of that there’s the friend’s pot luck dinner or the neighbor’s poker night.
As a young business grower, you cannot afford to miss an opportunity to reach out to new people. Go where you are invited – It helps create a reliable image. And seek out new places and events to take your new friends.
There will never be a time when enough people know about your business – if you have a good business. Keep people talking about you!!
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