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Networking Your Way to a Successful Business

Whether you know it or not, today's business world is much different than it was several years ago; not only because we have more women starting businesses but also because technological advances have made it even easier for female entrepreneurs to successfully operate their businesses. However, if you're a businesswoman that truly wants your business to be successful, you not only have to capitalize on technological advances you also have to effectively market your business, improve client relationships, and build a unique and creative "brand awareness". Well, networking does all this and more!

In fact, many successful businesses women have utilized networking to get and stay ahead. You see, these women realize that networking is the key to getting and keeping clients whether they have a web based or a brick and mortar business. According to Christina Mason, women webpreneur and marketing consultant, "Networking is the key to the inner world. Business women need to use it to their advantage. Much like the days of high school where certain students were part of the "in-crowd" and knew the latest gossip before anyone else, successful networkers are part of the inner crowd too. They utilize their contacts to effectively distribute information, build strong business relationships, and establish themselves as leaders. They use their contacts to stay ahead of their competitors and ensure short and long-term success."

Now that you know what networking can do, you may be wondering, does it work? Well, here are some examples of successful networkers. First, let's take a look at Martha Stewart, a unique business icon and a role model for female entrepreneurs everywhere. Martha literally created a business empire based on domestic arts and her business took off through networking. Other women like Debbie Fields, the founder of Mrs. Fields Cookies, also utilized networking to her advantage. In fact, Debbie literally built a million dollar companies utilizing savvy networking skills too.

So, how can you make networking work for you? It's actually quite easy. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Think about how many people you cross paths with on a typical day - the cashier at the supermarket, the gentleman beside you on the bus, your child's teacher or coach, a fellow parent, neighbors at your mother's retirement home. The list goes on and on, right? By initiating contact with these folks and informing them of your business endeavors, you will build solid contacts and effectively market your business.
2. Create a dynamic webpage chock full of information for your visitors. In addition, always add a URL or a signature to all of your emails. This will ensure that anyone you correspond with will become familiar with your business endeavors.
3. Design business cards advertising your business and hand them out to everyone. You can create simple business cards from your home computer and spread them around as you meet people. You can even leave some in convenient places to be picked up such as the hair salon, the doctor's office, or at the supermarket. Remember that you shouldn't be scared or shy when telling people about your business.
4. Visit trade shows and events based on your business topic. There are always trade shows going on in your area. Make sure that you attend as many as you can and network as much as you can. Be open and receptive and others will too!
5. Tell all your friends and family about your new business endeavor. The more people you tell- the better. Talk about your business with enthusiasm and excitement and always accentuate the positive.
6. Join networking organizations and take the time to meet new people. After all, you'll never know if they'll need your products or services unless you discuss it with them.

In conclusion, whether you own a service oriented or product business, networking is the key to establishing a strong market presence. After all, word of mouth advertising is the best way to effectively market your business and will help you get the "word out" about your existing or fledging business. So, don't be afraid to network. Use networking to your advantage and watch your client base and business grow.

Keywords. business networking network