No cold calling? What's the alternative?

I confessed my complete fear of making cold calls in my post yesterday. This shivering experience encouraged me to concentrate on networking instead. I find it much easier - and much more pleasant. But then the big questions are what and where?

There are a variety of groups like Rainmakers, Business Network International (BNI) and National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO). Their main function is to create a business networking environment based on building relationships/referrals. Sites that have a strictly business format are also on line and normally require membership fees. This is understandable, because they provide the same benefit as face-to-face networking. The purpose is a formalized business connection opportunity. Normally, just one customer per year will more than cover your fees. LinkedIn is free, but has two business-level upgrades that are fee-based. My favorite business networking site is One Degree Connected. Members have the ability to meet people in each others’ databases, with each member being just one degree away from everyone else. However, your database remains confidential until you agree to make the connection for the requester.

Another networking format is social networking. There are a plethora of online sites such as LinkedIn, Plaxo, FaceBook and Twitter that help you connect. Though called social networking, many people and companies are using these sites to meet potential business associates and develop business, as well as personal, relationships. They are doing business with connections made by becoming ‘friends’ or ‘followers’.

Other groups serve a different purpose, but very solid relationships are built through membership and participation. Some examples are civic clubs (Kiwanis, Rotary, Sertoma), chambers of commerce, church groups and industry associations. The result of building these relationships is that you now have a team of people who will refer you to their connections.

The options are endless. There is something for everyone; all it takes is a little time on your part. Visit their websites, visit their meetings. Then you can decide what works best for you.