What is the biggest mistake new businesses make when it comes to networking?

When someone starts a business, they immediately set up all their marketing: their website, logo, business cards, Google profile and social media accounts.  They are so excited!  And then they realize none of these things, on their own, is going to get business rolling in so they are going to have to go out and find the business so they can have money coming in. 

That’s how a lot of small businesses end up in networking groups, which is a great place to find business opportunities and learn more about what’s going on within the business community.  The only problem is that people who are new to networking don’t realize they should not be pushing their products or services.  They should be genuinely getting to know the new people they meet.

When you take the time to get to know someone, it causes that person to like you.  Eventually, they come to trust you, and when a need arises for those businesses, they always do business with those people they like and trust.  And that’s how you begin to grow your business through networking.