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Are You Leveraging Your Business Network?   By Denise OBerry

Copyright 2005 Denise OBerry

Just yesterday I received an email from a colleague telling me her husband had been laid off from yet another corporate job. Will the downsizing ever stop? I doubt it. Most large corporations focus purely on the bottom line and employees are the biggest expense.

And sadly, many workers become lax at maintaining their professional network when they`ve worked with a company a while. With mass layoff announcements screaming at us every day in the news, having a dead or outdated business network can extend the time it takes to find a new position. And what about new grads? Without a business network, what is their hope of finding that prized position?

It`s common knowledge that many jobs are filled through word of mouth networking, yet most job seekers begin their hunt without a strong business network. Having a dead, outdated or non-existent business network can extend the time it takes to find a job. And if you`re in business for yourself, your business network is your key to success.

Whether you`re shy or outgoing, business networking must be part of your marketing arsenal. You`ll be successful if you are prepared. Here are a few keys to success.

- Before you go to a networking meeting, be prepared with a goal. Who do you want to meet? Why are you there? Have a conversation icebreaker ready to get to know the right people.

- At a networking lunch, don`t reserve every seat and act like a grump if someone unfamiliar wants to sit at your table. Welcome the opportunity that a stranger presents. They may be your next customer.

- Treat referrals like gold. Contact the referral within a day, if possible. Let the referrer know how things went.

- Online, your email creates the first impression just like your physical presence does at face-to-face meetings. Be the business professional that you are.

Connections are crucial for business success, but it`s not so much who you know as who knows you. How did you find your last business connection? You probably asked a few friends who they used. That`s how business networking works. Make sure your network is alive and well.

Denise OBerry is a small business expert and author of 101 Nuggets to Power Up Your Schmooze-Ability. Find out more at http://www.deniseoberry.com/101tips/