Below is the quickest, easiest path to building solid business relationships that will lead to a web of contacts. This web of contacts, if built correctly, will be like an army of ‘You’ out there, working for your benefit. Think of it as duplicating yourself.

Your Circle will have you, and helping your business grow, in their minds as they go through their day making new allies and you will do the same for them. It’s incredibly effective but you have to know what you’re doing…

If you’re new to Business Networking or you don’t feel like you have a good handle on things, join a Networking Group. Here I’m referring to one that meets on a weekly basis. For those of you already cringing and thinking, "I don’t have enough time for that, I’m too busy", I’m going to be straight with you-

1. If so busy that you can’t take an hour out of your week to meet people who could help you grow your business then your business is thriving and you don’t need to network or to read this article.

2. You’re "busy" with activities that aren’t yielding sales or profits -activities others’ should be doing so you can concentrate on bringing in more business- or your doing activities that keep you ‘busy for the sake of busy’.

3. You just aren’t being honest with yourself.

Having a weekly Networking Group will give you the opportunity to develop a deep and lasting relationship with the members in your group. This may not occur with every member of your group, we don’t live in a Pollyanna world we live in reality. But you will develop enough relationships to build a core group from which to begin your Networking web.

Every state has local Networking Groups and there is a national group called Business Network International (BNI). Generally, these types of groups are exclusive, meaning there can only be one of each profession in each group. A great place to look is Google search. Just search Networking Groups in your city/state.

Generally these groups cost money but are well worth it. But, just like most things in life, you get out what you put in. So here’s the deal. I’d recommend you join a weekly group that has either a statewide or countrywide presence. In these cases, joining one Networking Group gives you access to all of them.

Here’s how it works. You join one but are allowed to visit the others for free. There are usually some parameters around how often you can visit other groups. Since these groups are exclusive, you won’t be able to visit a group if you provide the same product or service as someone already in the group. Still, there should be plenty of groups for you to visit.

The benefit? These organizations are tightly knit. When others’ visit from their organization, they are friendly and want to help; you will get a warm reception and a helping hand.

Now here’s where the magic happens: In both your weekly group and the groups you visit, set up 1:1 meetings with as many people as possible. Obviously focusing on those to which you felt a connection but don’t discount the others. Meet them for a cup of coffee or lunch if you prefer. Spend some time getting to know them.

Be careful here, this is not an opportunity for you to pitch them (visit my blog for more information in this area). This is your opportunity to begin developing a Relationship with them! Learn more about who they are, what they enjoy in life, about their family, etc. Sure you also want to learn about their business and how you can help them but the conversation will come around to that in due time. They will also ask about your business needs and the types of "leads" you’re looking for. Just keep prominent in your mind that your main goal is to build a relationship!

The more people you meet, the more people you know. The more people you know, the more people they’ll introduce you to and the more people you’ll know…your network is growing…. As long as you’re out there, this will continue and continue and you will be a participant in helping other peoples’ networks grow too!

As your network grows, you will learn about other networking groups and networking events. As you go to these you can introduce others’ to people you know and vice versa. You are becoming the Center of a Web, a Web of Influence. You see the picture?

This is what it’s all about, helping others! You begin by knowing few and voila, you know many. Through your many connections, you are able to help others. As you help others…you receive what you need. You will see your business grow, and grow and grow!