So often we are told by Business Marketing Professionals to promote our businesses thru networking and yet some people hear this and just do not understand. For instance if you have a local business, which does business in your specific community then networking is very easy; Go to a few Chamber of Commerce Mixers, join a leads club and attend some community social functions and well you are well on your way indeed.

However consider if you are in an esoteric business and do business with folks all over the country or the Globe and do a lot of your business online, over the phone and thru the mail. Then how do you network properly? Well what is interesting is it is much the same in theory really, not much different at all. In local business social functions you are pressing the flesh so to speak and in networking online you are touching base with those who are in your industry.

It pays to be on a first name basis with those vendors, suppliers, consultants and even competitors in your industry. They need to know your limitations and strengths and you need to know who they know. You need to refer work and clientele to them and send business their way when you can. And ask for referrals from them as well. So please consider all this in 2006.