One of the things that many people don't think about when getting started in a small business is how important it is to start in-person networking. They may know about needing a website or using social media to promote the business, but going out and actually meeting other people face to face may be something they didn't think about doing. For some, especially for introverts, this can be intimidating or even anxiety inducing.

It really shouldn't be.

If you're just getting started with business networking as a business owner or employee, the first thing you need to do is just meet people and have conversations. That's all. Get to know them. Help them get to know you. It really is that simple.

Of course the reason people network for a business is because they want to sell their products or services. And yes, you're going to start selling through networking... but if you expect that you're going to go to a networking session or have a coffee and get sales immediately, you're going to get discouraged. That's not how it works.

The basic concept that anyone new to neworking needs to keep in mind is "Know, Like, Trust". The reason many people buy from a company and especially an individual is because they know the person, like them, and trust that they'll do right buy them. There is, of course, more to making a sale than just this; however, you don't need to worry about those when you're just getting started. More importantly, doing those things now may actually make things worse. Your goal is very simple... meet people. Introduce yourself, ask their names, and start a real conversation.

Yes, you're going to talk about their business and what they do, but one of the best things you can do is talk about things that aren't related to work. Where'd they grow up? What's their family like? What are their hobbies? What did they do last weekend? Where'd they get their shoes? Really find out who this person is that you're speaking to and get to know them and let them get to know you.

If you don't talk about business more than 10% of the time, it's fine. If they remember you as a person and not as something just trying to extract money from their pockets, you've done well. When they get to know you and get to like you, they'll eventually trust you to help them with a need they have and will gladly compensate you for doing so. But that's later. Right now, your goal is to get people to know and remember you as you get to know and remember them.

Now get out here and meet some people!