How to Build Your Business Through Networking

December22^nd,2008 | General, Networking

The following is a guest post by Katie Skow, a small business owner who blogs about women entrepreneurs. For more information, visit her blog Entrepreneur Goddess.

Networking is the key to growing your business. Joining business women groups, chambers, and industry networks is a great way to both see and be seen in your community.

Having built a successful business from networking alone, I’ve made a list of the unspoken DOs and DON’Ts of networking:

DON’T:

• Be a serial networker.

This means passing out business cards as fast as you can say “hello, good-bye” and leaving the event without ever really getting to know anyone. People will not remember you and you will not remember them.

• Expect a fountain of free advice.

People don’t like to feel used. Networking, like any relationship, involves give and take. Don’t assume the person you just met wants to give you $500 worth of advice over cocktails. Follow up and make that appointment! Read more »

Master Your Market … Start A Mastermind Group

October21^st,2008 | General, Networking

Last week I wrote about the importance of mentorships for women in business. This week I’d like to share a concept that has been instrumental to my success: starting a mastermind group.

My Mastermind Group

I first learned about mastermind groups when I signed up for an online marketing class. As a bonus for purchasing the $2,000 class, I was placed in a group with several other people who had similar business goals. Twice a month, we had phone sessions where we would: Read more »