Well-managed networking is one of the best marketing tools for small business owners. Most people define "networking" as simply "meeting new people"; this is one-dimensional. However, I would commend you to consider building relationships with a group of people where additional referrals are freely among the members; this is a true network. Recently, a colleague of mine invited me to join his "network" on LinkedIn, the self-proclaimed home of what "networking should be." Their web site suggests that with your LinkedIn network, you can:
- Find potential clients, service providers, subject experts, and partners who come recommended
- Be found for business opportunities
- Search for great jobs
- Discover inside connections that can help you land jobs and close deals
- Post and distribute job listings
- Find high-quality passive candidates
- Get introduced to other professionals through the people you know
I have joined LinkedIn, and I hope you’ll join my network. Best of all, I hope we’ll all benefit from the opportunities provided by real networking – to find resources, new information, new opportunities, and expand our horizons. Don’t be afraid to ask for an introduction – or to offer one. Join me, at my LinkedIn page: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mariannahayes
