Work smarter not harder.

By Adam Brook / May 18, 2009

Let me ask you a question. Why would you try to carry a piano up a flight of stairs by yourself when you have friends who have offered to help? The answer...You wouldn't! The same idea pertains to networking. As a business owner you are going to advertise, and that is important. But why not place yourself in position to meet other business owners, and collaborate your contacts to help each other carry the load of making this thing work? You may say, "But Adam how can I do this?" It's easy. You join different networking groups, and build your reputation as not only a trustworthy individual, but as a reliable business person. Now to be a succesful networker you have to be willing to give. Meaning in order for this to work you're going to have to give referrals, and create a sense of loyalty between you and your fellow networkers. Giving solid referrals is the key to getting solid referrals. Now keep in mind that a referral is not a lead. When you refer business to a co-networker that means the referral is expecting a phone call, and you have already laid the ground work for that call. In turn, that person will be more inclined to send deals your way. And that's really what it boils down to. You scratch my back I scratch yours.