A couple of weeks ago now (I’ve been busy) I had the opportunity to go sailing with a good friend and client of mine and another gentleman who owns a beautiful 44 foot Beneteau sailboat. Though I may have gotten some ribbing from staff and friends about ‘how hard I was working’, I have long since learned how valuable new contacts can be.

Whether you’re taking the opportunity to meet people at a business event such as a Chamber of Commerce mixer, a trade show or even through electronic methods, these contacts help build your business in many ways. I’ve met a number of people that say networking doesn’t help them or that it’s too time consuming but the reality is, for each person you can give a good impression to, you’ve just added another person to your sales force! and they’re FREE!

When you own your own business, it’s just a reality that you’re selling it pretty much all the time. I’ve made some of my best contacts when I’m on vacation! (Considering I’ve only really had one since starting this company, that’s not bad!). Take a chance to look up some of the networking possibilities that are available to you (or ask me), and remember to exercise them. It’s easy and cheap, and when you’ve got others selling your company for you, there’s no guilt at all about a good day on the lake!