Using Networks for Business Growth

Again, this Fall, British Airways sponsored Faces of Opportunity – a contest to encourage business owners to do business Face to Face. Happily, I am one of the winners who will head out in February to meet with other business owners, guest speakers and the women in India who want to launch Leading Women there. (Thank you British Airways! There’s nothing like meeting face to face.)

Here’s how I am using my networks to make this a reality:

1. Tapped the Leading Women network, Twitter, my many LinkedIn groups, friends and family with requests to vote for our entry. Asked the women in India did the same.
2. Joining the British Airways special LinkedIn group.
3. Reaching out through 85 Broads global network to find other women in India to meet with.
4. Speaking with women I know whose companies do business in India.
5. Using the JourneyWoman network for tips on traveling to India.
6. and more…

Since it is year end a a time for reflection, I took a minute to ask myself what would have been different about this one or two years ago. First, the vastly expanded power of social networks to help us create and fulfill our dreams. Second, my expanded understanding and appreciation of the value of networking. I’ve said often in this blog that networking is a skill that can be learned and enhanced and I am living proof. One or two years ago, I wouldn’t have been nearly as proactive or adept in having or tapping my networks.

As the year winds to a close, I hope that you will take time to think about your networking skills. Ask, what can you be doing to use your networks to grow your business? Or, how can you be using networks like those above to fuel your personal and professional growth? And use the resources on this blog to help you learn how to…

…Network ON!
By Susan Colantuono, CEO and Founder Leading Women and author of No Ceiling, No Walls