There's Nothing Like Networking

No man--or woman--is an island. If they are, they are not successful. Your small business cannot be an island either.

Yes, it really can be lonely at the top when you're trying to make your entrepreneurial dreams come true. But it doesn't have to be. There's a whole world of people ready to provide advice, sympathy, information, brainstorming help, and most importantly perhaps, sales leads. Some become customers; others become colleagues, mentors, advisors, and lifelong friends. All you have to do is meet them.

It's called networking--cultivating ongoing, informal relationships with an eye toward sharing information that can ultimately benefit you and your business. I view networking as a necessity in order to build your OWN community. "I couldn't have started my business three years ago and kept it going and growing without my network," say Sharon Williams, a small business owner of consumer goods based in Topeka, KS. "These are the people I regularly rely on to keep me inspired, impassioned, and excited."

The best networks are those that include a diversity of opinions. Friends, neighbors, former teachers, friends from college, other business owners, customers--anyone! People often ask me who I lean on the most when it comes to my business and my response is always the same, my competition. Yes, that's right, you read it correctly. I connect with my competition to stay relevant and learn from what they are doing right and wrong in the marketplace. You see, my friends and family members cannot share that kind of discussion, but my competition can, so keep that in mind.

"Though I have never run a service-orientated business, some of my best ideas have been inspired by a colleague who's in consulting, real estate, or believe it or not, multi-level marketing, (MLM), Williams says. "I also get great insights from former employees of my competitors or people who recently transitioned to a new career path--who also desire to be entrepreneurs themselves."

Although Facebook, LinkedIn, and other online social networks have made networking tremendously convenient, don't forsake the "traditional" methods of building these relationships.

"You get different benefits from social networks, in-person networking, phone calls and face-to-face interactions," Williams says. "My favorite way to get together with my network is over a lively scheduled luncheon I host in different rural communities in Kansas--and ideas--constantly flow."

Business and professional associations are great places for building your network. Many localities have groups specifically designed for women entrepreneurs. They range from simple meet-and-greets to themed programs and discussions on relevant issues. You can find opportunities through internet searches, or by asking current members of your existing network.

Don't worry if you don't consider yourself the most talkative person in the world, particularly around new people. Just prepare your own "elevator speech"--a 20-to-30 second description about yourself and what you do.

But remember that the key to networking is the interaction itself. Listen, ask questions, and chime in when you feel the time is right. The conversation may never touch specifically on your business, but the next one with these same people might. It'll also show that you're not there solely to sell your business. And make sure you always have plenty of business cards to share. If you are more daring, hand out unique items as a way for people to remember who they met and why they need to stay in touch with you.

Finally, remember that networking is a two-way street, one that requires give and take.

"Don't just take," advises Williams. "Be ready to give advice, support, and encouragement. You'll get that--and so much more--in return, like a business that is still running.

Get Focused. Get Busy. Sprout and Grow.

P. Simon Mahler, a recipient of the prestigious Nation Builder Award from the SCORE Organization for startups launched and jobs created, and nominated as both an 'Expert' and 'Leader' in North America for small business development, currently runs a virtual incubator committed to building stronger communities all over the world.

Simon, a frequent traveler to the next small town, is always available to take calls for action and is willing to work with any small business, or small town out there, across the globe. Follow him on the journey of his next endeavor, by starting a business of your own. His virtual incubator program has transformed ideas into sustainable small businesses and yours could be next. His daily blog of activities will be posted on LinkedIn for you to enjoy. Find him on social media and connect to get some great ideas to get your business growing!

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