In the last post, we talked about the importance of networking. What about those of you who hide behind your computer?

Come on, you know who are you are!

Well networking is just as important for you.

Trust me, I know first-hand how hard it can be to make time. Between work, family and life, I am just as busy as the next person. However, what I have to come to learn is that networking is essential to sustain my business growth. If I want to stay busy behind my computer, I need the customers to do it!

I found a great article by Internet marketing guru Derek Gehl that focused on effective networking and how to best utilize workshops. I highly recommend it to anyone that may be feeling a bit overwhelmed by the process.

Some highlights:

• When meeting people, describe yourself and your business in less than 10 seconds.
• Don’t stay too long in one place. If at a workshop and the conversation is running beyond eight or 10 minutes excuse yourself politely, so that you have ample time to meet other people.
• Listen and ask questions, this is a key part of networking. You don’t have to be the one doing all the talking for the networking to be effective.
• Follow up. Once the workshop is over, keep networking.