Less than 25% of all jobs are ever advertised in the newspaper. The rest are obtained through networking. While the percentages might be off somewhat, it also holds true for finding clients. Advertising will only bring in a portion of your clients. Networking will bring in the bulk of them. Most of us have some fear or nervousness around networking especially if you are not used to it and it is out of your comfort zone.

Networking isn't just about finding clients at an event. If this is why you are attending you are probably going to be disappointed and miss out on the most important interactions. Networking is also about expanding your network. Letting people who know who you are, what you do and what you offer.

We all start out with our own network that includes family, friends, acquaintances and co-workers. When you are starting a business these are the first people you look to inform about what you are doing. Chances are the majority of them will not be potential clients however they all have their own circle of influence, which may hold potential clients. The same holds true for networking events. You want to expand your network of people who know who you are, what you do and what you offer. To find out more on networking you can visit www.topten.org and search under 'networking'.

The best place to network depends on exactly what you are looking for from the association or event in addition to expanding your network or finding potential clients. Are you also looking to expand your resources? Create alliances with compatible products or services? Market at trade shows or conferences? A place for you to just stay connected? A place to learn about or find new technologies? Member benefits? Get clear about the things you are networking for and find the group(s) or association(s) that will best fill your needs.

In order to prepare for a networking event first of all set goals for the event. Whether it is meeting five new people, reconnecting with an individual or having a deeper level conversation with one individual. Whatever it is make it about the gift of giving. When you go with the intent of giving of yourself and helping or getting to know others the return is greater. See how you can help or be of service to them. Whether it is sharing something you know, a resource or just learning who they are, what they do and what they offer.

Do not go to an event with the intention of finding a client but go with the intention of expanding your network. It is not about how many business cards or brochures you can hand out but what you can give to, or learn about, the individuals you meet.

A lot of people at these events are on guard about who is going to sell them what. Do you connect with individuals who are about selling to you versus wanting to know about you? Is this how you develop your relationships? My guess is the answer is no, so do not do this to others.

Any relationship takes work, they usually don't just happen overnight. You need to work at building your networking relationships just as you would with family, friends or co-workers. Make a point of following up with anyone you meet by just sending an email or giving them a quick call. It doesn't have to be deep, just a quick hello to see how they are doing, let them know you enjoyed speaking with them, or finding out if they are going to the next event.

Continue to find out more about who they are and how you can help them. When you follow this method of networking people will refer to you quicker and more often!

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Mary-Lou Ashton Virtual Strategies Phone: 604-483-3740 Fax: 604-648-8641 Email: marylou@vatp.ca *********************************************** Coming soon to a phone near you! Virtual Assistant Training Program Virtual Assistants - Business partner of the 21st Century http://www.vatp.ca *********************************************** Mary-Lou Ashton has been a pioneer in the Virtual Assistant profession in Canada since 1997 and developed a training program to support other VA's in being successful. Her passion for the profession continues to grow and Mary-Lou invites you to visit her at http://www.vatp.ca Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mary-Lou_Ashton