We occasionally talk about mentors and networking here in the Home Business blog, but I’d like to take things a step further. While you never know who you might be meeting or talking too and it is great to continue to cast your net far and wide as you meet new people, sometimes you really need to find the “right” people—those people who can open doors for you and help you get where you really need to go right now…
The more comfortable you get in your field or industry, the better you will be able to identify those people who can open doors for you. Keep in mind, that there might be influential people OUTSIDE your industry as well who can be helpful—community leaders, important educators or researchers, or other individuals who have connections and influence and can help you to move forward (or at least move in the direction you would like to go). Getting to know these people, however, can be the challenge!
I am not talking about heartless social-climbing here, but more of a strategic networking to help you advance your home business. Getting involved in civic groups, volunteer boards and committees, and other events can be important ways of meeting those influential individuals. So can taken classes or workshops that they might teach, attending conferences where you will have the opportunity to meet the individuals, and making personal contact or reaching out in hopes of getting to know one of these “door openers.” You might also already know a friend or colleague who can make the introduction for you.
Instead of being sneaky or sly, I think it is better to be honest and straight-forward. I am not advocating pushy-ness here but instead being clear about what you have to offer and what “doors” you would like to have open for you can help you to have integrity in your interactions. Who knows?—you might also make a good friend while you are networking to grow your business!
Also: Ask for and Nurture Referrals
It Costs Less to Keep Existing Customers