| Looking for networking opportunities in all the | | | | open up. Be sure to follow your contact and keep |
| same places? Perhaps, you have already tried the | | | | in touch with them periodically. They can open |
| traditional tradeshows or vendor luncheons where | | | | fresh, new markets for you or your business. |
| you meet with the same vendors who have been | | | | The same goes for the individual that replaces a |
| with the same companies for years. | | | | previous employee - they bring insights and new |
| Unfortunately, whether you are an entrepreneur | | | | contacts to an existing business. |
| or a corporation, people have a tendency to | | | | Workshop or seminar. Take a class or workshop |
| network within the same circle of peers they | | | | that you would enjoy - and then mingle and talk |
| have grown accustomed to. Ahhh, nothing quite | | | | with people. There are classes offered through |
| as safe as familiar faces! Networking outside your | | | | your local college or community. Seminars offered |
| niche isn't always comfortable, but necessary if | | | | through your local small business development |
| your business is to thrive and your customer or | | | | agencies provide excellent workshops and |
| client base to grow. | | | | resources for small business owners. They offer |
| I'm not talking about radically branching out, but | | | | the opportunity to meet with other business |
| just stepping outside your circle into new territory. | | | | owners in your area as well. |
| Here are four tips to networking that could open | | | | Update your profiles. This can go hand in hand |
| more doors. | | | | with marketing, but you want to periodically check |
| Join groups related to your industry. Most people | | | | the profiles you have with memberships, social |
| already belong to a group or two that are directly | | | | media groups, chamber of commerce, online |
| associated to their business. Some of these | | | | directories, etc. Chances are your business has |
| groups might be with online social media sites such | | | | grown or added new products and services. |
| as LinkedIn or local groups in your town where | | | | There may be contact information to update as |
| you get together to meet. But take a good look | | | | well. Make sure as you network, you have the |
| at what segments in your business or industry | | | | most update information available to your market |
| that can be explored further. For example, a | | | | audience. |
| copywriter might have a passion for animals and | | | | Business networking can be as versatile as you |
| join a No Kill Shelter group where the copywriter's | | | | want to make it. Don't limit yourself just to one |
| words might be able to play a part in fundraising | | | | target group. Look outside your immediate |
| efforts. | | | | market to see what other customers or clients |
| Follow peers. As people leave their present | | | | your business can serve. |
| employment to start a new venture, doors can | | | | |