How do most of you network and do you feel it pays off? I joined Linkedin and Biznik. Right now I'm getting a lot of work from Guru but I'm looking for more opportunities.
Don't forget to network in person. Join your local Chamber of Commerce and go to their events. I am just starting out so don't have much experience yet, but I am going to make sure everything is connected together - website, twitter, blog. And also do a bunch of personal networking. I think it will be important to have a broad spectrum of networking. You don't know where your business will come from so you better hit all the basics.
I do as much f2f networking as I do virtual and am getting business and inquiries from the many great business owners I continue to meet. Local folks need our services too. You may want to start with local meet-ups, chambers of commerce or do search on networking groups in your area.
Networking definitely pays of in many ways. Like anything though, you need to put in a consistent effort. I personally network online more than in person...for me it works.
After a year of serious face to face networking, my client list went from 9 total to 23 with another 9 prospects. The majority of my clients come from face to face networking and their referrals. Yes, it's the way to go and definitely worth it!
I have to agree, networking does work. I'm an introvert and find its a lot easier for me to network online where I can be comfortable. I'm still working on finding the right circles to network in, but this one is a good start for information networking.
for online networking I have searched places like facebook for groups, there a quite a few which are good opportunities to meet prospective clients. ofcourse join lots of different websites, the more the merrier!
What business I have received online has been through forum participation (like this one), rather than sites like linkedin or biznik. I would say 95% of my business is from referrals.
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Rebecka Melson ~ Virtual Business Services
after reading through the replies on this thread, i looked up my local council for any business groups and there are quite a few that would be worth me joining. thanks very much for the tips!
Nicky and the others,
If you are checking out new local networking groups, check to see if you can try out as a guest status to make sure that is the group that meets your needs. Some are rather costly and have lots of restrictions and rules.
Do You Get a lot of business networking?
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