Don't make the mistake of thinking that your networking should only be done when it's convenient for you or when you have the time for it. The question of "when should I work on my business networking" is an easy one to answer. It's "always". You should make a consistent effort on a regular basis. If you only reach out to people when you're looking for leads then you'll be quick to scare away potential lead sources. They can easily smell the desperation on you.
Business networking is like marketing, and it's something that should never be on hold. It should be worked into your monetary and time budget to become a regular part of your daily and weekly routine. Those who pause their networking in an effort to save time are like those who put marketing on hold in order to save money. If you're not marketing, you're not making money. If you're not networking then you're not building leads.
Mind you, you don't need to devote a lot of time each day to networking and maintaining existing relationships but being busy is not a valid excuse for not networking. If you have previous engagements that's one thing but you want to avoid falling into a cycle where you put of networking until you're actually in need. If you do this too often you'll burn bridges with your contacts and they'll start screening their calls when you ring them
On the flipside, if you're networking when you're not in need you can get a lot more out of the relationship building process. Because you're not pressured to perform or get results you can enjoy more casual conversation. You can also focus more on helping other business owners and actually give something to them before asking for something in return. Not only does it feel good to help others but you're far more likely to get what you need when your turn comes around.
On top of when to network you should also know where to networking. Events for building business leads and referral sources are great but there are other business owners out there that may somehow tie into what you offer - or they may know someone that does. Consider some of the people you work with on a regular basis such as your lawn care company, appliance service technicians, the neighbors on your block, business owners you see every week like a dry cleaner, grocer, butcher - everyone is a potential source of leads because of the network they've built on their own.
Finally - never forget about the existing network that you've been building all along. You need to devote just as much time to keeping in touch with existing contacts. Whether it's a thank you note, a phone call, lunch, a drink, or a basket of fruit and a corona on Cinco de Mayo. Give them the attention they deserve and they're more likely to remember you when the time comes for a referral.
Author Resource:
Referral Vault is the number one source for Washington DC Business Networking groups. If you want to build better working relationships with other businesses and improve Maryland Business Leads today then contact us for the perfect solution.
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