There are some who work all the hours they can, bust their guts week in week out… slaving away to earn just enough to pay the bills.

Having their own business is just not how they imagined it would be when they started.

That initial ‘fire in the belly’ from knowing they were really good at what they do has almost gone out.

Then again, there are those who seem to have found a better way.

I’m talking about those who run their business, rather than letting the business run them.

They’re the business owners who seem to have all they need, they’re successful, calm, they work reasonable hours, are still on speaking terms with their spouse – you just know that they’re not going home after 11 hours at work to do their bookkeeping!

You probably know some of these business owners. And I bet you’d like to be just like them.

Now you can.

Any business, whatever kind it is – is about ‘getting and keeping customers’. And if you can’t do either of those – you ‘ain’t got a business.

Let’s look at ‘getting’ some new customers first, and let’s look at doing that in a fairly economical and enjoyable way – by networking.

How well you can ‘network’ can determine how quickly you can build or expand your small business.

So what is networking? Well, it’s one of the least expensive ways of getting information about your business and what you do, out to the market.

It’s a great way to get more contacts and referrals, increase your client base and find out information about what else may be happening in your industry, in your town.

Not only that, there is usually a pleasant social aspect to any kind of networking opportunity, a chance to put your ‘glad rags on’ and enjoy some yummy food and drinks too.

Before you throw on your best suit and dash out the door, there are some basic guidelines to follow, so hold on, get a notepad and jot down the answers to these questions..

What do I need to achieve my goals?

To benefit my business and achieve the goal of…..

What am I trying to accomplish and who can help me with that?

To benefit my business and accomplish …..

The folk who can help me with that are…..

What kind of new contacts do I need?

To benefit my business I need new contacts who can…

It could well be that you have enough customers to last you for years but your difficulty is with finding good suppliers. You may make the best candy fairy floss in the world but if you can’t get a regular supply of sugar… know what I’m saying?

With your answers in mind, set yourself a monthly networking plan.

Find out about all the various groups and organizations in your area. Check in the phone book, with your local library, local council offices. Look for trade associations, chambers of commerce, small business clubs and other places where you may be able to meet potential customers or industry experts.

Join any clubs that fit in with your business goals. In fact just join any club that sounds fun or interesting as it sounds like you need to get away from your business for a while if only to renew your energy and passion again!

Ok, your first meeting, event, function, seminar is coming up, how do you prepare?

1. Look smart and presentable – how you look determines peoples perceptions of how your business runs – not what it does. As a boilermaker attending a meeting where potential customers may be – they don’t want to see you in overalls with a welder in your hand ready to go..they need to see a business that runs cleanly, professionally and efficiently. So welders down, irons on..
2. Arrive early to mingle and introduce yourself to people you don’t know. Act like a host and not a guest.
3. Be aware of how you sound and practice a good ‘elevator statement’ – a couple of sentences to introduce your self that indicates what your business does and how your product or service helps people.
4. Listen carefully. Ask others what they do. If you make a possible business connection, avoid ‘cornering’ someone, arrange another time to meet up and chat.
5. Make sure you have plenty of great looking professionally designed business cards with you – again it’s a perception thing. if they are a bit crumpled -iron them before you go as well !
6. Collect business cards of people you meet and jot notes on the back of them to help you personalize any follow ups you make.
7. Follow-ups. Keep in touch, send thank-you cards for referrals or contacts, call to discuss the meeting.

Nurture your network of contacts and grow it wherever you can – this is one of your businesses best sources of custom.