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Whether you are starting a business, or you have noticed that your business could use a boost, networking is a great way to give you a leg up in the world.

What you do and how you present your business is very telling about what kind of business owner you are.

Therefore, it is essential to get yourself out there and do some leg work to help you really spread the word about your products, services, or lines.

The only way to do this is to create a network and get others talking about you as a business owner and your business as a thriving thing.

If you are having trouble figuring out exactly how to begin networking, you are not alone. Check out these five ways you can build your business network by getting involved in the world that your business thrives in.

#1) Say “Hello” to Social Media

So, you’re against social media, because you don’t want anyone knowing your business? Well, if you want people to know about the business you have started, you need to get actively involved in social media.

Not only will social media get people interested in your business, but you can also check out the business practices of others in the same line that you are in. It is always a great idea to join groups or like the fan pages of those who are in the same line of work as you (and in the same area). This is a great way to meet other business owners, ask them for advice, give the helpful hints, and see what everybody is up to.

Create a page for your business (even if you have to create a new profile for yourself). Explore the social networking business world, and don’t be afraid to ask questions either privately or publicly.

Introduce yourself to other business owners in your area in private messages. This is a great way to connect with them on a personal level. It will also give you the label of “social butterfly” in said business world, and you can really get your name out there. Make sure you remember to be very professional, courteous, and willing to help as you speak to other business owners.

#2) Attend Functions

When you get emails about functions being held (i.e., charity events, expos, conferences, etc.), attend these functions. It never hurts to see (physically) what people in your line of work are up to. Additionally, events like this are great ways to learn new things about the world you have dedicated your life to.

If you are the type who thinks that having 26 years of experience makes you an expert, well of course you are an expert, but you can still learn new things about the changing economies, customer bases, and technologies that pertain to your business. Never assume you know too much to attend social gatherings about your line of work.

Attend every event you can in order to better understand the world you are working toward building your life upon.

#3) Actively Participate

Ask those who are putting on the events if you can help with anything. Offer your services to show that you want to be involved and that you are excited to learn new things.

If you truly do have those 26 years of experience listed above, you can always ask to be a keynote speaker at one of the conferences. This will show your contemporaries that you are fully interested in keeping yourself in-the-know with your line of work.

Additionally, you would be amazed at how much you are helping people by volunteering to be a speaker or help in any way that you can. Many of those events must ask so many people to help, and hearing “no” so often can be disheartening. When you are the one to make the phone call and offer your services, you will be recognized quickly later down the road.

#4) Say “Yes”

If you’ve forgotten to make the phone call, but someone has called you to help at an event of any kind, say “yes.” Even if you can’t do what they are asking, you can always offer to do something else in order to help them. When people hear you say “yes” all the time, you will become their go-to lady. Soon, word will be spread about your dedication and work ethic in the business community you are striving to connect to.

If someone asks you for business advice, say “yes, I can help you with that.” This is a great way to create strong friendships. Do not assume that everyone asking for advice is looking to “steal” your customers or your sales. For example, my sister networks quite a bit in the world of making soaps. When people ask her about her techniques, she answers their questions. Her position on it is that if they cannot do it, she can sell to them wholesale; if they, do it better than she can, she can buy from them wholesale. Either way, she wins.

Helping others is a great way to create a strong business network. Shutting people out can lead to losing business later. So, keep in mind that your work in networking will be worth every hour you spend helping others.

#5) Invite Others

In order to network, you must be social on some level. Do not hermit yourself or your business after you create it. It is essential that you show others that you are thinking about them and their business. Invite them to look at your stores, your products, your lines, even your Facebook page.

It is important that you show others that you want them involved in your processes for business. Invite them to ask questions or ask for help. Show them that you are interested in their work as well.

Create a luncheon or some form of event. Invite others out to see your work and discuss business for a few hours. By creating the events, your contemporaries will see how involved you are in business, and they will want you as a contact for future endeavors.

Networking is a very social thing. Even if you are a private person by nature, your business needs to be public. Get people noticing you by offering your help, always saying “yes,” and attending events. Get your social media working overtime to help you connect to other business owners in your line of work. Create a party and start inviting people. This is a great way to spread the word about your company and yourself in business.

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