How to Determine Where to Network Yourself and Your Business

“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” -- Jim Rohn

As the author of an information product on networking aptly titled “Pumped Up Networking”, I’m often asked a question that goes something like this… How do I decide where to network and which networking groups should I join?

I hate to do this to you however I can only answer that question with another question. What do you want to accomplish by networking?

Don’t worry… I won’t totally leave you hanging here. In lieu of waiting for a response from you, first let me start you off with some of the basics to consider.

• Your budget… Networking events and memberships can get expensive so determine how much of your marketing budget you can afford to invest on it.
• Your time… Networking can become very time consuming as it takes time to establish and nurture fruitful relationships so determine how much of your time each month you can afford to invest here.
• Your comfort zone… Networking can be intimidating and quite frankly a waste of money and time if you are not ready to network in certain situations or circles. Yes, the coach in me will always try to get you to stretch your comfort zone a bit however, going from zero to sixty in six seconds flat is typically not the wisest choice to stretch you and position you for success. Patience is a virtue here.
• Your gut… Learn to trust it. Does a particular networking event or group feel good to you? Do you like the other attendees or members? Is there good chemistry amongst the group? This is critical because if you’re not excited about where you’re networking or who you will be networking with, your heart won’t be in it. And if your hearts not in it, fruitful relationships won’t happen.
• The logistics… Times, dates, and locations are critical; wherever you choose to network must make sense from a logistical standpoint.

With the basics now factored in, let me present you with a few of the more common reasons for networking and where you can look to network to meet that need… hopefully one of these fits your scenario.

• If it’s to acquire new prospect to sell to… if possible, your best bet is to network directly where your target market hangs out, wherever that may be. Some possibilities may include events for charity or awards dinners if you’re marketing to the affluent; or Chambers of Commerce if you’re marketing to small businesses. If getting in front of your target market presents a challenge for you, you can approach it indirectly by networking with others who can ultimately connect you with your target market. For example, participate in lead exchange groups such as BNI, LeTip, or smaller but effective local groups such as in my neck of the woods, the LI Rainmakers.
• If it’s to establish your presence locally in your community or as I call it, become a ‘rock star’ in your own backyard, then maybe try your local Chamber of Commerce, Civic Association, or maybe even your local Church.
• If it’s to connect with your peers in your industry… maybe attend industry specific seminars and trade shows; or join a trade organization related to your specialty or industry (e.g. if you’re a professional speaker maybe try the National Speakers Association or if you’re a Chiropractor consider joining The American Chiropractic Association (ACA)).

So in closing, I have to say that I’m a firm believer that a person’s success can be determined by their ability to network effectively. And yes Jim Rohn is right... You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with… so choose your networking wisely.

© 2008 Online Marketing Muscle -- All Rights Reserved.

Want to use this article in your newsletter, blog or web site? You have my blessing so long as you include the following complete blurb with it (including links).

Liked this article? -- Then check out Long Island-based marketing consultant, coach, and entrepreneur Dean Mercado’s highly acclaimed marketing blog 'The Motivational Marketer’s Journal' at http://www.MotivationalMarketer.com. Additionally, for even more small business marketing and success tips, sample the latest edition of his FREE marketing tips newsletter the 'Marketing Minute', -- a weekly multimedia e-zine designed to give you a jolt of marketing wisdom in less than 5 minutes.

5 Ways to Leverage Your Voice to Market Yourself and Your Small Business

Have the gift of gab? Well lucky you because in the world of marketing, the gift of gab can be a huge asset for your small business -- that is so long as you leverage it properly.

To plant some seeds on how you can do this, here are 5 of my favorite ways to leverage your voice to market yourself and your small business:

1. Public Speaking

There are not many ways that will unequivocally set you apart from the pack as well as public speaking does. It immediately lends credibility and positions you in the mind of your target market as the obvious expert in your field.

2. Teleseminars and Webinars

If either the face-to-face of public speaking is too uncomfortable for you, or if you just want to supplement you public speaking efforts, conducting teleseminars and webinars may be the way the go. These are best used in marketing to inexpensively leverage your voice talents to both educate and allow prospects to test drive what you bring to the table for them.

3. Podcasting

Using audio to educate your target market on a regular basis via podcasts is a fantastic way to build credibility and top-of-mind awareness with your target market. Podcasting holds a certain attraction for its rather large community of enthusiasts -- almost cult-like in terms of their passion for it. And that passion can potentially be leveraged into major success for you.

4. Radio

Becoming a guest expert on business radio talk shows both on traditional radio stations as well as Internet-based ones can have a huge impact on exploding your business quickly. If you are finding it difficult getting on radio shows as an expert, start building relationships with the show hosts by calling in regularly as a listener in an attempt to add value to the show.

5. Networking

This is the forum for flexing you gab muscles. Whether it’s in person at networking events, seminars, or trade shows, or online in forums or social networking sites such as MySpace, Ryze, or LinkedIn, your ability to chat it up with your target market will definitely set you apart from the competition.

So in closing, if you happen to have the gift of gab, go with it. Continually nurture and leverage it so it can serve as a means to get you where you want to go. Typically, the marketing strategies and tactics that are based on this gift are inexpensive yet extremely effective.

© 2007 Online Marketing Muscle -- All Rights Reserved.

Want to use this article in your newsletter, blog or web site? You have my blessing so long as you include the following complete blurb with it (including links).

Liked this article? -- Then you won’t want to miss Long Island-based marketing consultant, coach, and entrepreneur Dean Mercado’s highly acclaimed marketing blog 'The Motivational Marketer’s Journal'. Additionally, for even more small business marketing and success tips, sample the latest edition of his FREE marketing tips newsletter the 'Marketing Minute', -- a weekly multimedia e-zine designed to give you a jolt of marketing wisdom in less than 5 minutes.

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