Network, Network, Network!

Virtual Assistant

Posted: Wed Nov 02, 2005 4:37 pm Post subject: Network, Network, Network

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There is nothing like networking to give your business a boost. It is a bit like planting a seed, watering it and then watching it take root – it can take a few months before the first nibbles come in, but when they do – it is usually worth it!

You’ve heard the saying ‘it’s not what you know, but who you know’? and in networking that is very much the case. How often have you heard someone tell you of a problem they have or something they’re looking for and you knew someone who could solve their problem? That’s the same thing with networking! It is important to get your face (or your name) out there so people get to know who you are and what you do.

Today networking can be done locally and online globally – I strongly recommend you do both. You’re going to pick up an audience from both avenues and you shouldn’t depend on only the one source for building your business.

One often overlooked avenue for networking is the product launch! If you use a particular software or product, keep abreast of updates and product launches and go to them – not necessarily because you’re looking to upgrade or buy, but so you can meet others who plan to! So, even if you have the lastest whatever, going to the launches still make good sense – the people there want to learn how to use xxx and you already know so you can connect with them confidently about it! I almost ended up with a ‘job’ (I’m self-employed and don’t want a job) as a distributor/reseller for a software product because the organisation staff recognised my knowledge of their product when chatting to me at such an event. It was nice to say ‘thanks, but no thanks’, I’m happy doing what I’m doing. And yes, I did meet prospective clients who also recognised my knowledge of the product and were keen to get the best out of it for their own businesses.

Cheers!