Why Networking?
Networking is a proven and effective means to promote one’s business, product, and/or service.
It is no longer what you know that can advance your career, but who you know.
This leads us to reason that the more people you know, the better the chances of finding that ideal employee, landing that perfect job, selling your product/services and growing your business.
Have you ever heard of the Small World Phenomenon? The small world phenomenon theory is that everyone in the world can be reached through a short chain of social acquaintances. The concept gave rise to the famous phrase Six Degrees of Separation.
Whether or not these two theories are accurate is debateable. There is however one fundemental truth to these theories, that by increasing the number of people you know, your circle of contacts and resources compound exponentially.
FACT:
The day that I set out to network was the day that I really began to influence the growth of my company.
In 2001, I launched my company website JenTekk Web Solutions. I’d just finished my schooling, had a loan to pay off, and not enough projects to pay my bills. So, I worked part-time as a Hairstylist to supplement my meagre website design income.
While I had the passion and skills to succeed, I was not busy enough to leave my hair design job and work at JenTekk full-time, which was really what I wanted to do.
One day I sat down and took a hard look at my clientelle and realized that the majority of my clients came to me by way of referrals.
It was then that the light went on. If referrals had been my strongest source of business, it made sense to me that I needed to expand the number of people I knew, and who knew me – apparently this is called networking.
If you’re anything like me, the thought walking into a room full of strangers and talking about myself can be somewhat intimidating. However, being as desperate as I was, I added networking to my list of things-to-do.
In the fall of 2004 I took the leap – albeit tiny - and gave networking a shot.
Being an extreme introvert, joining an online forum was within my comfort zone. Networking from the comfort of my own office, listening to my music, sipping my coffee - all great fun!
Eventually, I forced myself to attend my first networking event, which incidentally, is where I met Rastin Mehr who is now a dear friend and business partner.
Now, referrals make up 90% of my businesses leads. Networking is the main thrust of my marketing strategy, and has largely replace advertising, cold calling, pounding the pavement, and other less productive efforts.
Networking generates results and should be TOP priority for every business owner. In addition, networking can be fun and personally rewarding!
If you’re thinking about networking but not sure where to begin, why not start by networking in an online networking forum. It’s a great way to meet like minded business people, and start your journey to growing your company.
My recommendation: Tazzu Networking Forum - for all business professionals. The members are friendly, ready to offer assistance, and there is a growing range of topics - it’s also where you’ll find me doing my thing.
I hope to see you there! 
Technorati Tags: networking, business, marketing, online networking forum, tazzu, rmd studio, jentekk
