Seven Ways to Successfully Network

You don't want to be the person friends and acquaintances flee from when they see you. "You are trying to make friends for your business," adds Lehman.

3. Network With a Purpose

Time is money. So look for organizations, free or paid, that can help you grow your business. Good places to start are the local Chamber of Commerce and Business Networking International. When Marcus started her stationary company, her work hours were between 9 p.m. and midnight, when her three kids were in bed. Networking in person was out of the question. So she tapped into the free Small Business Online Community, powered by Bank of America (BAC Quote).

"Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, I had access to the advice of fellow small business owners as well as the site's expert contributors," says Marcus, who branched out into stylish flip-flops earlier this year. Since connecting with the site, she's learned how to run a successful trade show booth and deal with human resource issues.

4. Don't Underestimate Others

Although talking to people in your industry may make the most use of your limited time, don't be too bashful. Hit on your friends and relatives, of course. But you also never know who your hairdresser or dry cleaner may know.

5. Make the Most of That Personal Touch

Sure, business-oriented social networking sites like LinkedIn and Plaxo are perfect for increasing your network easily, cheaply and fast. A company today can't survive without some kind of Web presence. But Roane and Lehman caution against relying solely on the Internet to build your network. A one-on-one conversation, in person or by telephone, still resonates. After all, they say, people do business with people they know and trust.

6. Miss Manners Would Approve

Roane says one of her biggest pet peeves is using someone's first name for an introduction when you don't have permission to do so.

7. A Loop Job

Another one of Roane's peeves is being left out of the loop. It is important to follow up with those you've networked with initially. "If I give you a lead and I find out third-hand that you followed it, it shows me that person isn't smart enough to keep me in the loop," says Roane. "You put people in an uncomfortable position if you don't keep them in the loop."

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