Over the course of your business life you'll come in contact with a number of other business people. They could be lawyers, business services, suppliers, customers, etc. These people are important to your business in more ways than one. If you hired them or they bought your product or service, you can also gain their business knowledge, experience, ideas, and advice. How do you do this? Stay Connected! Network! Networking is when two or more different businesses stay in contact on a regular basis to build and improve each others business.

Consider all the benefits you'll gain from talking to other business people:

Knowledge or information that you didn't have before Advice on how to solve a current business problem Leads to a new business project or opportunity Joint ventures and cross promotion deals Learn important skills that you didn't have before Constructive criticism that improved your business Brainstorming that sparks a profitable business idea Encouraging and motivational statements

There are many ways to meet business people. Join business clubs and associations. Participate in on-line business-related forums, e-mail discussion groups, and chat rooms. Go to business expos and trade shows. Use your

If you have the time, start your own networking group. You could hold meetings at a local seminar room, at a park , or at your own business building. If you want to hold meetings on-line use a private chat room. Publish a print or e-mail newsletter to keep members informed of meeting time and dates.

Keep all your business associates' contact information all in one place. Have it organized by business type or profession for easy finding. So when you need some advice on a new marketing campaign you can call that marketing expert you met at that trade show in Ohio a couple of weeks ago.

Networking is a surefire way to build a successful business. I have used it countless times and will continue too. I have also met a lot of business people who are now some of my closest friends.