The small business is built on relationships and contacts can be an effective and affordable way to spread the word about their business. Realizing this, many owners business spend a great time and energy attending networking events, but without understanding how to maximize their success. In this article, we focus on how to avoid common mistakes and get the best return on your investment in networks.

Turn-Offs networks that can sabotage your success

• The attempt to sell your products or services the first time you meet someone

• Returning your business card to someone who has not requested that

• Be as eager to win new customers or customers who convey an attitude of despair

• Focus all your thoughts and attention on yourself and how you can get more business on that day

• "The use of a mask" – pretending to be someone you're not

Others focus on helping to your network

Realize that networking is NOT all about you! It is about helping others succeed. Each has different points strengths, abilities and areas of expertise to share with others. One of the basic principles of Make-it-Fly ® is to grow stronger and faster when help others achieve their goals. It works! It is very gratifying to help others, networking and offers splendid opportunities to do so.

Networking is about developing relationships and making friends. People usually want to do business with people they know, trust and have a relationship with. We are unlikely to buy someone who just put a card in his hand and says, "If you need my products or services, come see me." It is arrogant to think that by giving someone a card, he or she will automatically choose to do business with us. Business success is all about building relationships!

When a customer we called asking if we'd recommend for a particular need that had we mentioned several names. We think that one of these providers relate particularly well with it and be the ideal resource. "No, she is on the other side of town, and I want to find someone else," was his reply. However, in an event of some days later showed up, got to know each other and now have a win-win business relationship. Distance was no longer important. Just did show and make friends all the difference!

The successful networking also involves making the effort to attend events on a consistent basis – are most evident in the community. The greater visibility and more well known you are, the more you'll learn about the needs of others and how you can help them. When focus on the needs of fellow business owners, you will be able to contact them and help them and build stronger relationships. The creation Networking is the art of identifying people who might be a connection, either friends or potential partners for energy, and starting in motion the process to meet they. As the network, find people you feel could become friends and partners of potential power.

Set a time to meet them one by one. When are always sensitive to their needs and feelings – not focus on selling them. A friend recently described an experience he had when he was invited to lunch by an individual I had met at a network event. The conversation was a hard sell side, trying to pressure him to sign up for the services of this person. He had planned a joint debate – learning each other's business. He felt cheated. This person missed an opportunity to begin building a great relationship through questions and hear how he could help.

Once you truly appreciate what networking is and is not, you are ready to start enjoying and benefiting from the process!

About the Author:

Victoria K. Munro is co-founder (along with husband Dave Block) of Make-it-Fly® LLC, a company dedicated to creating success for small business owners through creatively designed programs and tools. Victoria has started and run nine different businesses. To receive FREE business success articles with tips to help you with your business, sign up for their award-winning ezine, “In-Flight Refueling,” at: www.Make-it-Fly.com, and receive a free copy of the eBook, Get More Done in Less Time: 101 Quick and Easy Time Tactics & Tips.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – How to Avoid Common Mistakes and Maximize your Networking Success

Stockton California P.L.A.Y. Multicultural Arts Network (Peace Love And You)

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