Enlarge your networking circle

To truly master the art of networking and to leave no “opportunity for new business” stone unturned then you must go beyond your traditional networking model to include networking with people who are not like you and to places that you normally would not traditionally be networking. Build friendships and alliances with people who are from outside your ethnic, social, economic, and cultural background. Develop a wide base of “people alliances” to broaden your networking circle, referral, and  word-of-mouth marketing opportunities. At some point staying within your current networking circle will become counterproductive, not entirely but mostly as you reach critical mass. You could however make much better use of your networking time by including your current networking strategies and enlarging your networking circle to include new people and places. One of the best ways to enlarge your networking circle is to join a new club, a social or sports activity club, something that you have never tried before. Perhaps a skiing club, a book club, or even getting involved with a local charity. In a nutshell look for ways to make new contacts in new places so that you can broaden your marketing reach to include a new audience through networking activities. Here are a few ways to broaden your networking circle.

• ·         Join or start a new networking club.

• ·         Enroll in night classes or weekend workshops.

• ·         Become involved in community politics and issues.

• ·         Join social or sports teams and clubs.

• ·         Get involved with community charities.