The last time you went to a business or networking event, how many of the people you met and gave your business card to actually took the time to follow up with you afterward?

If your experience is anything like mine, most of the people you meet DON'T follow up. ... full article

1. Make networking a part of your written strategic marketing plan.

Determine your business/career focus and your target market. Decide on where you can meet/interact with them. Then set timelines and allocate money to join organizations and attend business functions to carry out your relationship-building activities in a planned fashion. ... full article

Networking is often identified as a key business building activity for small business owners, especially those just getting started. Often we think of networking as meeting as many new people as possible. However often, as was pointed out to me following a recent presentation I gave on networking, we overlook a key group of people as we set out to develop our network. And that is those people we already know.

Incorporating the people you already know into your networking activities is crucial because you already have a relationship with them.

Therefore, you don’t have to go through the relationship and credibility building stages before these contacts are willing to do business with you or recommend you to others. ... full article