4Networking

I'm often asked by other businesses, how do I get new clients? Over the years I've tried many things but the thing that works for me the best is networking.

There are many ways you can network; Chambers of Commerce who organize breakfast and lunch meetings, local Business groups that do the same, the Federation of Small Businesses.

Currently most of my networking is done through 4Networking. It's a very flexible organization. I'm a member of the Hereford Group but, because I have taken out, what 4Networking call, a Passport Membership, I can also attend meetings of any other group in the country.

There are other networking groups. BNI is very good organization and works very well for getting business but it is extremely formal and, as such, does not suit everyone. BRX is another, slightly less rigid than BNI.

Over the years I've tried all kinds of things to get business, advertising, cold calling, advertorials in trade papers, directories, Yellow Pages. For my business they've all been a waste of money.

Go online to http://www.4networking.biz/, find the nearest group to you and go along as a guest to their next meeting. I promise you won't be dissapointed. You might pick up some business in the process.

Mike Brogan