Networking - How To Network Anywhere Without Being Annoying

There is some debate among entrepreneurs about the best way to network. Is it best to network online? In formal networking organizations? At business associations? In charitable organizations? At the gym? On your kid's soccer field? At the dinner table?

The short answer is yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, and yes!

The long answer is a bit more complicated. Most entrepreneurs fall into one of two camps - they are either too shy to talk about their business or too enthusiastic to talk about anything else. Either extreme will be detrimental to your networking success. The following rules will help you strike the appropriate balance.

Networking Rule#1 - People want to do business with people they know, like and trust. Focus on building a relationship with others instead of immediately trying to sell them something.

Networking Rule#2 - It's not about you. It's about what you can do for them. Focus first on helping others and building good will. Don't evaluate everyone's worth by what you think they can do for you.

Networking Rule#3 - Develop relationships for the long-term. Networking is not a short-term strategy. The payoff builds gradually over time. Instant connections are rare - appreciate them when they come but don't focus on quick wins.

Networking Rule#4 - Follow up. Many people focus all their energy on making connections and forget to spend time nurturing and maintaining relationships. Develop a system for staying in touch with those you meet.

If you follow the above rules, you will find yourself in situations in which you can naturally talk about your business without it sounding artificial or mercenary. If you express genuine interest in others, they will feel genuine interest in you in return. If you try to help them, they will try to help you. And you will naturally find the balance between talking too little and talking too much about your business.

Do you want to learn more about overcoming the everyday challenges of building a business? Sign up for my free special report Getting Out of Your Own Way: 7 Steps to Sustainable Success for Women Entrepreneurs: Small Business Success.

Liz Fuller is a MicroBusiness Development Specialist who works with Women Entrepreneurs to grow their business to greater levels of sustainable success.

Sign up for Liz's ezine: More Than We Know at http://www.morethanweknow.com for information, inspiration and support delivered right to your inbox.

Are You Leveraging Your Business Network?
Just yesterday I received an email from a colleague telling me her husband had been laid off from yet another corporate job. Will the downsizing ever ...

You Need to Be Willing For Networking to Effectively Work For You
The positive effects of networking such as building a new relationship or finding a partner dont just happen by themselves. You need to be proactive...

Network - Use the Grapevine
Why it can pay to network for business, career or socially.Many people think of networking in a business context. This falls short of the use you can ...

6 Tips To Better Networking - Things Anyone Can Apply Today
The other morning I was networking with a kind woman who asked me what the most important things were in networking. As I wrote the email back to her...

It IS A Small World - The "6 Degrees Of Proximity"
Do you remember the last time you were on a holiday and met another compatriot? Ten to one you discovered you had a mutual contact and that one of you...

Relationships and Networking
Relationships and Networking. You can't have one without the other. The process of building a relationship is also the process of adding to your net...

Networking - Four Steps of Your Networking Plan
Networking is one of the most important skills you can ever learn. I guess the question is, "What is Networking?" Essentially networking is the skill ...

Effortless Networking: Can You Network In Your Sweats?
A few years ago, someone asked me whether it was OK to network if she was not "dressed up" for it.For instance, she said, if I'm at the checkout line ...

Networking While Traveling
Networking is more than just putting your business name out there for people to find you, but it is also a part of getting to know people, who are goi...

Not Another Article On Networking (Groan)
Networking is "the thing" to do in business. I won't repeat the benefits of networking here nor the 30 seconds infomercial, as there is much material ...

Networking Secrets for People Who Don’t Like to Network
So you're not a networker, huh? Well, neither am I. But "studies show" that if you're an internet marketer, online networking is not optional... it's ...

Professors - Five Truths About Networking Effectively
All of the following "networking need-to-knows" are offered with the idea that you want to increase your ability to make a difference, i.e., to have a...

Referral Capital
Referral capital is value built on respect and loyalty from a trusted referral contact. It's formed when you introduce, ask questions and inform with ...

Networking Strategically: How to Get the Ultimate Referral
Dont be shy about it. Youre networking for a reason: You want more business.By networking strategically you can get more business than you know what d...

Network Like A Pro
Whether you own a small business or work in sales for a Fortune 500 company, relationships are critical to success in business. With the addition of d...