Mark Hamade

As business owners or managers we often find it difficult, even in the best of situations to get out and seek new business. You’ve probably thought that if you could just find a way to increase business without putting more time in,  and without spending more time away from your family or working weekends, you’d be all set, right? Guess what? You can and all that it’s going to take is a little preparation.

1. Make a goal of meeting at least one new person each day. If you overhear someone mention your industry or a hobby of yours, make a point to introduce yourself. Start a conversation while you’re waiting in line at the bank or the Office Depot. You may never see or even talk to these people again, but chances are good that you will.

2. Never eat alone. You have to eat and so does everyone else, so why not use that time to catch up with friends and associates? There are a few benefits for both of you here. You can keep in touch with people without taking a lot of time out of your work day. Your name stays at the front of their minds – great for referrals!

4. Network in one non-work related organization. It can be anything – a baseball team, a church or charity, a community group – pretty much anything. The idea is to have the ability to network without the usual competition that you would face in a Chamber of Commerce or other business-related organization. If you don’t currently participate in something that’s not related to work, you should seriously consider it. It will help you create a balance between your work and your personal life while opening up a channel for new business.

With a little creativity, you can find ways to fit networking into your existing schedule without taking time from your family life or your free time. Networking help you form new relationships, which often results in new business.