The only way to win

Are you truly engaging all of the marketing avenues available to you? As a successful businessperson, you probably have been hit over the head repeatedly with information on the best way to network and put yourself out there...I know I have. Maybe they assume that you've already done this, but something not a lot [if any] of those "5 Things" articles mention, is the concept of starting with people you know. According to Business Insider, the average age of successful entrepreneurs is 45, which means that most of us - myself included - have found success...or failure – no judgement...with other businesses prior to making the leap and have a lifetime of people to reach out to. Who are these people that I don't even remember already telling about my business, you ask? I'm glad you did. Let's run down your timeline.

Today. Make it count where it matters most.

You have a vested interest in seeing your local community thrive. Workplaces, social centers, outreach and places of learning are the drivers of your local economy. Investing your time where you live doesn't necessarily have to involve your professional talents, but what if it could? I've done a good bit of volunteering at nursing homes and playing bingo, but what if I spent time helping people connect with their loved ones via social media or email? Do what I love and give back!? Preposterous! ...or is it?

What are your Community Centers?

This is a broad stroke term. I don't specifically mean the place in your community called XYZ Community Center or not just that. I'm referring to any of the places in your community where people gather. Your church, your kid's schools, actual community centers. You might be surprised where you find networking potential.

I have actually gotten new clients from something as unlikely as career day at kindergarten – while extolling the virtues of playing with shapes and colors and wearing pajamas to work, which I demonstrated by wearing colorful pajamas!

Yesterday. Membership has its Benefits

As the saying goes, "membership has its benefits." Are you maximizing your membership? Take inventory of the organizations or societies where you hold a membership card. Do you simply attend meetings as required or do you share your professional and personal goals and get to know those of the other members? If you don't it may be time to consider doing so. One of my longest standing business relationships consists of the work that I do for my sorority. It has even led to work for various other National Pan-Hellenic organizations. If you are a member of any professional organizations, forums and in-meeting presentations are a great way to establish and preserve those relationships, even after you are no longer working directly within that profession. I use the word organizations here loosely because you can also network within your church. Although not a professional organization, there may be hidden gems in your church family.

The day before. Hail the conquering hero.

Whether you've graduated from high school or college or both you have a past relationship with that school, college or university. When you graduated did you simply collect your diploma and move on to the next thing? Have you gone back for a visit at least once? Seek opportunities to give back - if only once a year. Homecoming is great, find out what other events are held, such as orientation, career day, etc. that may be a good opportunity to showcase your expertise as an alum, or simply volunteer to give a presentation. Speaking is an opportunity to tell some aspect of your story and also the role of the school in your story. Many colleges and universities have leadership conferences of some sort or other workshops throughout the year. Find out and get involved. How? One option is to visit the website and review the calendar. A better option is to become a member of the alumni association as many of them offer opportunities for alumni to mentor current students.

Let the future take care of itself.

If you haven't guessed it yet, networking is your chance to share yourself. It lends itself well to showcasing who you are in the types of interpersonal situations in which you find yourself day-to-day. I am a member of a dedicated networking group so it's not to say that those don't have their place, but that's not the only key to success out there. The point is, you are already part of a group or groups by way of accomplishment, occupation, or choice. Why not seek out the hidden contacts that may be waiting for you to find them? Websters Dictionary defines networking as, "the exchange of information or services among individuals, groups, or institutions" it goes on to add, "the cultivation of productive relationships for employment or business." I challenge you to look at your existing relationships and memberships. Who knows what may come of it!?