Schedule time for business networking

This article is part of the series 28 Business Networking Strategies.

Everybody in business is busy. None of us have enough time to do all the things we could do, or even all the things we'd like to do.

That's why it's essential that you set aside time to do the things that make money.

When I say 'set aside time' I mean make appointments for yourself, and refuse to let anything stop you from keeping them (apart from personal and family emergencies).

Of course, it's not enough to merely shoehorn time into your schedule. That time must be utilised wisely. Here's how you can fill that time with productive activity...

• Business networking education
  Allow a minimum of 30 minutes a week to pursue networking education. This might involve reading a book, watching a DVD or attending a training course
• Attend networking events
  Dedicate at least 2 appointments a week to networking events. Then fill those 2 appointments at least 10 days in advance. For example, one of your appointments might be your weekly BNI meeting
• Subscribe to networking event-notification emails
  Your local city, state or country is sure to offer at least one email subscription that notifies you about upcoming business networking events. Use Google to find this list and join it. That way you'll always be able to find a networking event to attend. Visit the websites of BNI, Business Junction, 4n, BRX, 4 Networking, Athena, NRG and others to identify even more events

Sometimes busy people are reluctant to attend business networking because they think it doesn't work. Here's the thing (and this may not be easy to accept), the problem is never the networking event.

If you've attended networking events but not received a referral, the problem is you. And it's essential that you do the following...

• Get proper training in business networking
• Get more practise by attending networking events
• Ask experienced business networkers to help you develop your skills

I think the best way to do this is to join BNI. Click here and try BNI now

Business networking is a highly profitable form of marketing (referral marketing to be precise). As soon as you've mastered it, you can always leave an event with several useful contacts. If you don't, never blame the event itself. The plain fact is, you can't change an external factor like an event. It's outside of your control.

What you can do is take responsibility for the result you achieved, and develop your ability to network. That's something you do control, and is the only way to retain power in the face of failure.

Another way to practise your business networking skills is through online networking. Sites such as Ecademy and LinkedIn provide you with vast communities on which you can practise your networking skills.

It differs from face-to-face networking only in the sense that you're not meeting somebody in person. Everything else about networking still applies, and there are new opportunities available to you that aren't possible when meeting in person.

Compiled by Wayne Davies – creator of the DIY SEO Seminar.