| Networking works! Whether you are a Brick and | | | | business. |
| Mortar Business or an online business - networking | | | | Look at event registration costs - Will you |
| events are happening everywhere - Online, Live and | | | | recoup the fees? |
| Local. Live events and conferences are a great way | | | | Look at the speakers - Who is coming to regale |
| to network with others in your business field. Human | | | | you with their business savvy? If the speakers |
| interaction builds strong relationships especially | | | | involved are other business owners or role models in |
| relationships that may have started online. They are | | | | your industry that you have wanted to meet, don't |
| also a great way to practice networking skills in | | | | pass up the chance to have your questions |
| person. But what events are right for you? The trick | | | | answered and gain some insight and knowledge from |
| is knowing where to look. Here are a few | | | | a skilled speaker. Adding a face to face will really help |
| suggestions: | | | | gel your connections as well. Contacts made at |
| Check local Business organizations for posted | | | | events can have long lasting benefits. |
| events. | | | | Choosing a live event to attend doesn't have to be a |
| Visit your favorite blogs/websites for | | | | hard decision. Gather as much information as you can |
| information. If these people are speaking or attending | | | | about upcoming events, their location and fees so |
| a conference they will want to let their readers know | | | | you can map out your networking strategy. And it |
| about it. | | | | should all be about strategy - why you want to |
| Visit online forums. Business forums usually have | | | | attend and what you will gain from attending. |
| a place where they list upcoming events both online | | | | This past year I attended the Niche Affiliate |
| and offline. | | | | Marketing Systems Conference in Atlanta - I chose |
| Visit social networking sites. These are great for | | | | to go for a few reasons: |
| business connections - Facebook and Linked In are | | | | 1. I wanted to learn more about Affiliate Marketing |
| two main places where many people or groups post | | | | and how it works. |
| events and send out invites. | | | | 2. It was an opportunity to meet two of my clients |
| Now that you have found some options, how do you | | | | in person - one from British Columbia and one from |
| choose one? Look at what your goal is for attending | | | | California, as well as a Colleague from Washington |
| the event. You will want to choose live events that | | | | State. I am from the East Coast of Canada so it |
| are relevant to your business. You wouldn't attend a | | | | would be rare for me to meet these people in |
| crafting seminar if you sell gardening supplies. And, | | | | person. |
| you probably would pass on a seminar that highlights | | | | 3. There were many other top internet marketers |
| how offline businesses can get into online markets if | | | | there I have been following online for more than one |
| you already own an online business. | | | | year and it was a chance to listen to their wisdom in |
| Here are some pointers to making a decision: | | | | person as well as meet them face to face. |
| Check geographic location - Your first time out, | | | | When you make conference/event choices by |
| you might want to stay close to home to lower | | | | strategically choosing reasons why or why not to go |
| costs. Money is often tight when you are starting a | | | | you will find your investment well worth it! |