If they already use your product or service and are totally satisfied, then there's also a good chance that they'll recommend you to others.

However, that won't always happen - people won't necessarily go around singing your praises to other people, unless someone asks them about you.

You can, however, take various actions to improve your chances of getting referrals:

*Ask people - Ask your existing customers if there's anyone else they know who could use your product or service.

*Ask if it's okay to contact them - and if it's okay to use their name

*Ask them - if they'd be kind enough to refer you to other person

*Ask if it's okay to check back - and find out what other person said. (This encourages person you're speaking to - to refer you)

*Offer incentives - Offer free product, a discount or a prize to an existing customer who refers you to a new customer. e.g. If I bring a new member to my health club, my name is entered into a draw for a new car

*Offer a "finders fee" - to anyone who finds you new business or donate money to their charities

Networking is about making connections with people and building a network of meaningful relationships.

Having good relationships means - these people will either do business with you and/or recommend you to others. These people are your unpaid sales-force and you've got to ensure that they do a good job.

Here are 9 steps to successful networking:

#1 Be prepared - Particularly if you're attending a formal networking event like Chamber of Commerce -

#2 Think about whom you'll be meeting - Consider what your opening remarks or questions will be. And think about what you're going to say when they question you.

#3 Make sure you have lots of business cards, a small notebook and a pen - These should be easily accessible and not involve a rummage through pockets or a bag to find them.

Reminder - NEVER go anywhere without business cards

#4 You don't necessarily need brochures - These can be sent when you follow up later. A networking event is not a place to sell you product or service. (This is not understood by people who have bored pants off me over years)