Networking tips to help your business grow

The trick with networking is to be proactive. This means taking control of the situation instead of just reacting to it. Networking requires going beyond your comfort zone and challenging yourself. The strong association between the entrepreneur as a person and his or her business, demands that entrepreneurs get out into the world and create and maintain business relationships.

Here are some tips to help you improve your networking skills and extend your reach:

1. Set a goal to meet five (or more!) new people at each event

Whenever you attend a group, whether a party, mixer or industry luncheon, make a point of heading straight to the people you don't know. Greet newcomers (they'll love you for it!). If you don't make this a habit, you'll naturally gravitate toward the same old acquaintances.

2. Try one or two new groups per month

You can attend almost any organisation's meetings a few times before you you must join. This is another way to stretch yourself and make a new set of contacts.

3. Carry business cards everywhere

You never know when you might meet a key contact, and if you don't have your cards, you lose. Take your cards to the gym, parties, the grocery store, even when you're walking the dog.

4. Don't make a beeline for your seat

Take advantage of networking time before you have to sit down. Once the meeting starts, you won't be able to mingle.

5. Don't sit by peole you know

Mealtime is a prime time for meeting people. You may be in that seat for hours, so don't limit your opportunities by sitting with friends. Remember, you're spending precious time and money to attend this event.

6. Get active

People remember and do business with leaders. Don't just warm a chair; join a committee or become a board member. If you don't have time for that, volunteer to help with hospitality at the door or with checking people in. This gives you a great reason to talk to others, gets you involved in the inner workings of the group, and provides you with more visibility.

7. Be friendly and approachable

Make people feel welcome. Find out what brought them there and see if there is any way you can help them. Introduce them to others, make business suggestions or give them a referral. What goes around comes around. If you make the effort to help others, you'll find people helping you.

8. Set a goal for what you expect from each meeting

Your goals can vary from meeting to meeting. Examples include learning about the speaker's topic, looking for new prospects, discovering industry trends or connecting with peers. If you work home, you may find your purpose is simply to get out and talk to people face to face.

9. Be willing to give to recieve

Networking is a two-way street. Don't expect new contacts to shower you with referrals and business unless you're equally generous. Follow up on contacts; keep in touch with them; and share information that might benefit them.

The most important skill for effective business networking is listening; focusing on how you can help the person you are listening to rather than on how he or she can help you is the first step to establishing a mutually beneficial relationship.