It is often not what you know, but who you know which will get the job done.

The Australian business community is very networked, and whether your business is located in regional NSW or in Sydney, tapping into these networks can be a source of growth on many levels including:

• increasing your exposure to a wide range of people, benefiting your company and your company’s brand
• connecting you to potential clients, or referral points
• helping you find new suppliers
• marketing your business in a low cost way
• benefiting personal and/or professional development
• developing a peer network where ideas can be exchange and issue discussed
• Introducing you to potential business collaborators and partners.

To get the most out of business networks:

• chose the ones that are most relevant to your business, background, professional level or personal interest
• participate in gatherings both face-to-face and on-line
• seek to join committees or interest groups within a network
• use opportunities to promote your business through on-line and printed directories or newsletters.

Networks do not necessarily have to be strictly business based. Social and sporting networks, or organisation like Rotary (www.rotary.org.au) can be helpful in making useful contacts.

Facebook (www.facebook.com) or LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com) are on-line networks, exposing your business to contacts worldwide. Think about how forums like these can be leveraged to your advantage.