How clever is it? Well, it virtually costs you nothing but it can certainly bring in the work. Now that's an intelligent way to develop a customer base!

Don't get the idea that that means you have to act like an artificially happy salesperson hawking your wares at every opportunity. Nothing could be farther from the truth. A good networker is someone who honestly believes in his or her abilities and in the benefits their product or service can provide. And that conviction shows beyond anything that they can possibly assert as well.

In order to network effectively though, a signmaker needs to take advantage of opportunities to meet new people. Where are these opportunities? Well, normal business functions can become an arena to sensibly interact with potential customers. Look to luncheons, conventions, local organizational meetings, and community events as avenues that can yield ongoing relationships even lucrative ones.

But there's more. To "work the room" and receive results, a signmaker has to take a positive approach a proactive one. That means that you can't sit back and expect a payoff just because you're present. Here are some suggestions to try:

Set objectives. Whether your goal is to meet at least 3 new people or to learn something new that you can carry back to enhance your business, make sure the time is well spent. If you want to make new acquaintances, don't sit with the same old crowd. And if you want to learn and benefit from innovative ideas, don't be afraid to ask questions.

Stay on your feet as much as you can. If you sit down too early, you'll miss meeting others. Time to mingle is precious because that meeting or dinner will start all too soon! Remember what you're there for.

Do something to help others. At the event, could you ask the host or hostess if they need assistance? Or, could you take it upon yourself to help a few businesspeople to get to know others? Introduce them to those you've already met. After all, they're there for the same reasons you are and they'll be eternally grateful to you!

Take your business cards. When that important conversation turns to you, have something on hand that others can remember you by. Just remember to be discreet.

Well then, are you ready to "work the room" and reap the results? If you're ready to network, you can take advantage of a clever way to develop, promote or expand your business. Investigate all the avenues at your disposal that can yield lucrative rewards and plan to utilize them effectively. Forge ongoing relationships by setting objectives, mingling with others, and assisting them when you can. And of course, be alert to leave your business card when it's appropriate!

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