The "Networking" Part of Network Marketing

If you've been thinking about joining the ranks of those who promote products and make money in the process, there are some things you should know about "networking." It's what separates a successful business from an unsuccessful one. Yes, it does take time and effort to generate leads and make connections … but just think of all the money!

If this is something that interests you, we’ve put together a list of six ways to go about “networking.” From attending meetups to annual conferences, here are six things that can help boost your business potential while providing quality opportunities for relationship building.

1. Join A Network Marketing Company With A Large Online Presence

If you’re looking to get your name out there, joining a company that has an online presence may be in your best interest. The more people who know about you or read about you, the more likely they are to click and become a lead, member or customer. Owning your own business means understanding the digital space and how to connect with others in order to meet their needs, wants and desires. If you need help connecting with people online, here are some great social media apps for building relationships .

2. Attend Networking Events At Meetups

While the online world is great, it’s also important to meet with people in person. Reaching out to people online is a great way to make connections and build relationships, but there are certain situations that are better taken care of in person. Not everyone will be available online, so offline networking is an excellent way to connect with others while making sure they're still interested in what you're selling. If you’re not sure where to start with networking events, here are three tips for networking in-person .

3. Attend Annual Networking Events

Another great way to make connections is attending annual networking events. These types of events are not just for salespeople looking to branch out—they’re also for people who want to learn more about what you’re selling. Attending annual conferences and business gatherings can help boost your business opportunities as well as advance your career, so if you can make the time, these are excellent avenues for networking. If you’ve been wondering how to network at a conference , here are four ways folks can network at conferences .

4. Join An Online Social Network

Of course, even if you’re only a part of the small network of people who will be attending a small gathering, it’s still possible to make connections and start building relationships. The good news is that these types of connections can be made on many networks. If you want to make some real connections, it's important to get started on social media . Here are seven ways to use social media for business .

5. Volunteer

Many people don't realize how important volunteering is to successful business development. It's an excellent way to begin building relationships with others, as well as help build a presence in your community or industry. You can even benefit from volunteering by getting free marketing materials that you can put out for business offline. For example, here are 26 ways to use free marketing tools for your business .

6. Give Back To Your Community

Have you been thinking about contributing back to the community? It's becoming increasingly more popular—and a great opportunity for networking—as organizations and businesses look to gain recognition and influence in their niche markets. Here are a few ways you can get started on giving back .

What do you think about "networking"? What are some ways that you've connected with others in your area or online? Share your tips and thoughts in the comments below!

Sources:

1. http://www.aikenconsulting.com/blog/online-connection-generator/ (weloveceo.com) 2. http://www.webpronews.com/social-media-apps-for-business-2013-09 (WebProNews) 3. http://www.entrepreneurmagazine.com/article/234450 (entrepreneurmagazine) 4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Bernays (Wikipedia) 5. http://www.entrepreneurmagazine.com/article/199118 (entrepreneurmagazine) 6. http://www.forbes.com/sites/stevenrosenbaum/2012/07/11/should-you-freelance-your-way-to-startup-success/#7a6112195e62 (Forbes) 7. http://www.thefranchisekingblog.com/?p=3923 (Franchise King Blog) 8. http://mashable.com/2014/03/03/networking/#sFIM.8gGCoaZmg (mashable) 9. http://www.budurl.com/blog-networking (Budurl) 10. http://www.entrepreneurmagazine.com/article/133484 (entrepreneurmagazine) 11. http://www.socialmediatoday.com/content-marketing/3-tips-networking-inperson (socialmediatoday) 12. http://www.forbes.com/sites/stevenrosenbaum/2012/07/11/should-you-freelance-your-way-to-startup-success/#7a6112195e62 (Forbes) 13. http://www.entrepreneurmagazine.com/article/143960 (entrepreneurmagazine) 14. http://www.businessnewsdaily.com/7289-networking-tips.html (businessnewsdaily) 15. http://www.forbes.

Conclusion

Networking is a common part of building relationships, and it's a great way to build your business from the ground up. It’s important to remember that networking is more than just telling people about you; it's about getting to know them and what their needs, wants and desires are. Of course, if you feel as though this isn't for you or that you'll be wasting your time by trying, there are many other ways to build relationships with others through social media.