There is a lot of debate about the value of tweeting, facebook, and building online networks like on Linked In. For the most part, all the successful online networking sites have two things in common. First, the successful ones are free. The paid one are failing and cannot get traction.

The second thing all online networking groups share is that without a complementary personal network, it’s hard to get any tangible benefit from it. Businesses grow through relationships and contacts. You must “press the flesh”. That’s why if you haven’t been networking, you may be working hard, but not smart.

Advertising, cold-calling, and direct mail are ways to grow your business and this is true for online networking also. The old saying is true: It’s not what you know, but who you know. The smaller the business the MORE important networking is to your growth. To effectively network, you have to work at it but you have to do so with a purpose.   Check out the Networking Goals below curtesy of FranNet.

Networking Goals

If you aim for nothing, you’ll probably get nothing. Set your networking goals early and revisit them often to see if they’re still working for you.  Don’t be afraid to modify, revise, or scrap one if it just isn’t the right one.  Here are some to get you started:

• Connect with other business owners for advice, tips, ideas, and support

• Create a solid and reliable network of suppliers

• Access a wider client base

• Build confidence in yourself and your business

• Learn about your industry, trends, and changes

After you have established your networking goals, the next step is determining how to effectively execute on them.  That means figuring out what tools are at your disposal. Once you’ve tapped into the local networks, THEN you can reach out to them online and link up or follow them on Twitter.

My personal method for networking is what I call my 1-2-3 Networking strategy and it is something I focus on every week.  My weekly strategy is:

  1. Attend one networking event a week
  2. Meet at least two new people that could positively impact my business
  3. Go to breakfast, coffee, lunch, drinks, or dinner with somebody from my business network each week.

This strategy has been developed over the last two years and has resulted in new customers, development of valuable alliances, and has enabled me to pick up many best practices and ideas that help me make more money.  After all, growing your business and making more money is the ultimate goal of networking.