If you are considering starting a home based business, the personal contacts you make though face to face networking will help you establish a customer base. Networking is a very low cost or free marketing method. One contact made at the gym could bring you more business than months of costly advertising. Networking is the process of making and cultivating contacts to obtain referrals. It’s also a lot of fun when you learn to be a successful networker. Several elements will contribute to your success.

• Networkers have goals. You may decide to build 5 close business relationships in the next year by actively volunteering in worthwhile non-profit or educational groups. Set a goal and stick to it.

• Enjoying your work and enjoying other people is another important element. This means working with total involvement. When you attend a meeting, be fully there, not planning your next errand.

• Skilled networkers have a positive attitude and act with confidence. They smile and open up to others. They notice how others are feeling, and if appropriate, they acknowledge it, especially to people who are new to them.

• Successful networkers have integrity; they help others to succeed. This is prosperity consciousness—the attitude is there is plenty for everyone, and the more generous you are, the more rewards you will receive in return.

• Reaching out to others in public takes some risk. If you make a mistake, correct it and affirm you will do better next time.

• Communicate; let people know what you need and how they can help you. By asking for help, you are opening the door to others to ask you for help as well.

• Surround yourself with positive people. If you are involved in a group that gossips or tears others down, it will hinder your success. Move on to new ground.

• Contribute your time, energy, attention and, in some cases, your money to causes that speak to your heart. Do this without intention of getting anything in return.

• Be an example of success. Be kind, attentive and appropriate everywhere you go. Networking might occur the next time you go to the grocery store or out to dinner. Carry yourself like you are successful and you will begin attracting that to yourself.