Networking, Schmoozing, Alliances

Most of your life sustaining work is going to come from your local community. Depending on where you are, you may have some very substantial accounts in the area or at least close enough to try you luck. However, it will be the 100's of $200, $500, and $1000 orders that will keep your mortgage check from bouncing.

These kinds of orders are going to come from the local schools, churches, small businesses, government agencies, non-profits, and organizations. The owners, managers, and other leadership of these groups all tend to be joiners. You need to be a joiner, also.

In many communities, the first best thing to join is the Chamber of Commerce. This isn't always true as some chambers are poorly organized and do little. In suburban areas there may be several chambers in your "territory." Find the strongest chamber and join.

There are also service clubs and fraternal (do they still call them that) organizations in every community. Rotary, Optimists, Moose, Elks, and Kiwanis to name a few. Check with your chamber or the phone book to see where these groups meet. Join one.

Do you have a special interest like bicycling, tennis, or little league? Do you have a passion for a specific charity or political idea? Join a group that will give expression to your ideas or your hobbies.

Then actually attend meetings, accept offers to head committees and move into leadership roles. Go to the parties, the mixers, and the socials. From these activities, you will gain in at least three ways: You will be making a contribution back into the community from which you derive your livelihood, raise your children, and enjoy the services. You will gain in skills such as organization, leadership, and planning. You will meet and become friends and associates with decision makers at all of the kinds of places you want to be selling. Oh, and as an added bonus, you'll probably make life-long friends.