Get Out There and Network Already

The 3rd Step to becoming a Young Entrepreneur is getting out there and networking with folks.  This by far has been one of the most critical things that I have done as an entrepreneur.
Its said that “It’s not what you know, but who you know.”  I like to believe that “It’s not who you know, but who knows YOU.”  Here’s a few of the benefits network can provide to a young entrepreneur:

- Develop your knowledge
- Learn about others successes
- Keep a pulse on your industry
- Mange your reputation
- Generate referrals for your business
- Build mastermind group

And the list can go on.  The thing that’s most important when networking with people, connecting, & building relatinships.  Is that you have to have the mentality of “Give First, Receive Later.”  I see too many people out there that their whole goal of meeting someone is just to get something out of it.  There’s nothing that can be worse than that.

My philosophy is to try and meet as many people as possible (that are obviously in or around the same industry), add value you to them, be a resource, and you’ll eventually meet the right people that will connect you to the influencers.  Once you’re connected to the influencers, you’ll start to see some amazing things happen in your life.  Seriously!

A great place to start getting out there and networking is Facebook and Twitter.  You can start by adding me, following what I’m doing at both places as well as follow other people and study how they’re approaching these social media tools.

I can’t tell you how many “Influencers” on these networking sites.  I’d be interested in hearing how you’re out there networking and connecting with folks.  Are you using social media sites?  How are you tracking the people you meet?

Happy Networking!