Did you just get laid off or lose a major client? Are you a college grad that is ready to start your first job? It doesn’t matter if you just graduated college or if you have been in business forever. Nowadays, it’s not what you know, it’s who you know. This is why business networking and building relationships is so important.

In the last 20 years, the “game” of job hunting or finding new clients and customers has changed dramatically. You can’t just walk in, flash your charming smile at a potential employer or client and get a job or an assignment right on the spot. You will need a great resume and/or portfolio and you will need to take the time to build a relationship.

So, how do you get that new job or assignment in this changing business market?

Business networking

Business networking might sound easy, and if you are someone that enjoys building relationships and talking with people all the time, this may be easy for you. However, not everyone is comfortable walking into a room of strangers and talking about themselves. For the people who are not a fan of business networking let me provide you with a different way to look at business networking.

Building Relationships

You can do this a couple different ways. You can use social media and join groups with the same interests as you. Or, you can connect with people and do what is called a 1 on 1. Invite them for coffee so they can tell you more about their business and the kinds of clients they are looking for. This enables you to connect with individuals face to face, and is much less intimidating than a room full of strangers.

Do you need help growing your business? Click here to check out the social media marketing and website design packages from The Sherwood Group. We’ll help you capture new business and achieve your goals.

What to do in a room full of strangers

A room full of strangers can be very intimidating, but remember this: everyone likes to talk about themselves. After I’ve introduced myself and my business, my favorite thing to say is: “So tell me about your business.” or “What kind of clients of customers are you looking for?”

You might also ask this question of someone you’ve never met is: “What might a person say that could remind me to refer you and your business?” Another great question to ask is: “What kinds of businesses are your best strategic alliances?”

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This article is published by Will Sherwood | The Sherwood Group |Website Design | Graphic Design | Marketing Communications: The Sherwood Group has over 30 years of experience working with all sorts of companies, small and large. Our clients range from entrepreneurs to Fortune 500 firms, in nearly every business sector, from across the street to around the world (and yes, even Europe, China, and South America). Our goal is to create advertising,  graphic design, website design, and marketing communication that still looks fresh and relevant 10-15 years later. Our mission is to stir your imagination and leave your competition shaken and wondering,  Now what do we do?”  We are located in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Do you need help growing your business? Click here to check out the social media marketing and website design packages from The Sherwood Group. We’ll help you capture new business and achieve your goals.

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Please comment. We’d like to know if you found this article informative or helpful.