It's a given, isn’t it? If you're in business, your number one job is to market. If you keep your business a secret - don't let people know how you can help make their lives better and what you do, you won't be successful - because no one will know that you're in business. How well you network, which is "letting people know how you can help them" part, may well determine whether you succeed – or fail.

There are four main types of organizations where networking opportunities for business owners exist. There are 1) business networking groups, 2) service-oriented groups (Rotary, Elks, Soroptimist, for example), 3) our local Chambers of Commerce, and 4) business-specific groups (realtors-only, coaches-only, etc.)

Which one is best for you? Well, in all of groups, you are connecting with other business owners, getting to know them personally and professionally, building trust, and forging new relationships that can potentially bring you business. However, with business networking groups, main focus, primary objective, is to boost each member's business. And isn't that a great objective?

Business networking groups are "exclusive," meaning that only one member in each category of business can join. So each group will have only one printer, one residential real estate agent, one property manager, one web designer, etc.

For many women getting started in business, business networking options probably seem abundant. Online, offline, via email, via telephone, groups meeting weekly, groups meeting once monthly. Some are geared specifically towards women business owners; others are not. Some groups are part of a larger network of regional, national and international association, while other groups are home grown. The networking events or meetings are usually structured so that women feel "welcome" and are designed to maximize opportunities to meet others. Sounds good, right?

But what if you've never had to network before? Or if you're an introvert? Like me!

Some people make networking look effortless, but here's a secret: even for most gregarious among us, networking always requires preparation. Introvert who prepare, practice, practice, and practice can become “Networking Queens.” (And don't forget to breathe!) If you’re a newbie-to-networking, don't let these common myths about networking de-rail your efforts to become well known in your industry.

Myth #1: Networking groups are only for new business owners. Truth: Many networking groups who show sustained growth have a majority of members who have been in business at least 5 years.

Myth #2: The only business owners who join networking groups are unsuccessful ones. Truth: See myth #1.

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