Networking

Networking is a simple and yet essential key to small business success. It 
is the art of marketing your business, without the advertising expense. And 
the best thing about networking is the fact that you can do it almost 
anywhere you go. Take for example, the things that you might do in a 
ordinary, run-of-the-mill week. In that week, you will most likely eat out 
at a restaurant, attend a chamber of commerce meeting, go to the gym, and go 
to the grocery store. Say that you're in the supermarket and you find 
yourself waiting in the checkout line which is backed up for several miles 
(or so it seems). Why not initiate a conversation with the person next to 
you? In that conversation, talk about your respective lines of work will 
most likely pop up and an opportunity to network appears. If asked, talk 
about what you do and what kind of service you provide and if the moment is 
right, offer your business card or trade business cards. You might find 
that your chatting partner may not need your services, but may know someone 
who does. Remembering the delightful conversation that you two shared, he 
probably will refer the interested person to you, thus bringing you a chance 
to provide your services. Networking is one of the most easiest and 
profitable things to do. So why don't network too?