Networking:
Follow four simple rules:
1. Show up
If you don't go, you can't play.
2. Bring business cards
Go without your shoes before you go without your business cards.
3. Meet people
Walk up to perfect strangers, smile and introduce yourself:
What to say:
"Hello. My name is ________."
What to say next:
"What is it you do?"
4. Follow up
The round is not over until the follow-up is done.

Internet and the WWW:
In this age of cyberspace and E-commerce, if you don't have a website, and an E-mail address at "your company name.com" you're living under a rock. While you can spend upwards of literally hundreds of thousands, just a modest expenditure will get you the presence on the world wide web necessary to add to your company's credibility, plus, provide you with an additional avenue for customers. After the website is constructed, have it optimized so your site shows up higher in the search engine rankings.
We recommend: Image In Media

For faster growth:
See if you qualify for a business incubator program.
We recommend: The Entrepreneurial Development Center
and the Womens Business Center

Business Cards:
Keep them standard size of 2" x 3.5"
Include your:
1. Name
2. Title
3. Mailing Address
4. Company
5. Telephone number
6. Fax number
7. E-mail address
8. Web site address (URL)
9. Your logo
10. Your slogan
Some pluses:
11. Your picture
12. Use color
Make your own:
1. Invest in a color printer.
We recommend: Canon S600
2. Obtain business card blanks from your local business supply store. Use blanks that have a template, instructions of card layout or a website to provide same.
We recommend: AVERY 8879
Example business card

Networking Groups:
Pick one that meets weekly, preferably in the mornings, and provides professional development while teaching small business ownership and management skills in addition to supplying leads and contacts.
We recommend: CrossRoads
Business Building Breakfast 

Entrepreneurial ebooks-ereports
epamphlets-eguides.htm

Follow-up:
Make it a habit.
1. Put your contacts in a database
We recommend: ACT!
2. Make the first follow-up before your head hits the pillow
Means of initial follow-up:
1. Phone
2. Fax
3. E-mail
4. Note or card
5. Letter
What to say:
"What a pleasure meeting you. I look forward to seeing you again and finding out more about you."
Means of on-going follow-up:
1. E-Newsletters
2. Articles
3. Clippings
4. Fax-Newsletters
5. Invitations to groups of mutual interest.
6. In person with breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee, happy hour, etc.

Need personal direction with a business / professional development coach or mentor?
We recommend:
C. Dean Kring at 713-932-7495 x 13.

(Who is that masked man?)