Everywhere you go you hear people talking about the recession, job losses and the rising unemployment rate.  Some of my friends have been laid off, some of them are trying to figure out creative ways to draw more revenue into their business and sadly some are giving up.

As more and more people are experience these hardships there are a group of people who are not just doing well but are thriving…finding the right job, increasing sales and finding innovative solutions to their business challenges.

Wondering who these people are? They are the people who are highly connected to their network! They are the people who understood way before the recession hit the importance of establishing, building and cultivating quality relationships.  They have their insurance policy and it’s in the form of their network!

Sadly, most people I know, despite the fact that they go to countless networking events and belong to a ton of organizations were just not prepared for these economic conditions and where caught with their panties (or pants) down.  So instead of sitting, wishing  and waiting for the economy to do a 180, do these five things right now so that you can turn your business around, get a new job or find the opportunities that are waiting for you.

1. Call Everyone You Know

Get on the phone and start calling your network and ask them how  you can help them.  I am a strong believer that giving always comes back to you ten fold but you must put yourself in the giving position first to end up being the receiver in the end.  Plus, it just feels great to be of service to someone else.

I know you know plenty of people that may be going through something similar and would love it if someone reached out to them to lend a hand or help them make a contact.  In the end, this gesture will be remembered and will open opportunities up for you down the road.

2. Strengthen Your On Line Presence

It never ceases to amaze me how many business owners are not taking advantage of the online sites that can help them increase their visibility and exposure.  As a business coach I teach my clients the on line sites that best suit their business and objectives so that they can be more visible and attract the types of joint venture opportunities that could catapult them to success.

I have met some wonderful people through Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter and as a result are currently working on two lucrative projects.  Find a way to increase your presence on line and look for creative ways that you can leverage your time and talents to increase sales and get the clients you are looking for.

3. Get Out There

I hate to tell you but you must put yourself out there and make new connections all the time.  Business is not going to fall from the sky into your lap just because you are wishing and praying for more business.

How many networking events do you attend weekly?  On average I attend at least 2 events each week and often times many more.  Get out there and pound the pavement! Meet new people and find opportunities to work together.  I challenge you today to find a networking opportunity in your area and go to it!  Stop wishing and hoping for new business and make the connections you need to grow your business.

4. Make New Connections

Is there someone you would really like to be introduced to?  Do you have a strategy of how you are going to meet this person?  If the answer to the questions are “yes” and “no”, listen up.

Sit down and make a list of the people you would like to meet.  Are you on LinkedIn?  If not, get on it NOW.  This is one of the most useful online tools for getting introduced to people.  But the good old fashioned way of picking up the phone and asking for an introduction is just as fabulous.  Who are you going to ask for help in making the introduction?

No matter how you get introduced, whether you do it on your own or ask assistance from a business associate make sure that you are warm, friendly and personal as you reach out to this new person.

5. Relax and Enjoy

These are stressful times and we don’t need more stress in our lives.  Go out and have fun.  One of the things I enjoy seeing is how much fun the women have who attend my monthly networking events. They are making friends, building new relationships and forging ahead working together to make their businesses stronger.  So don’t be afraid to have fun in the process.

Your network can be vast, strong and powerful if expanded and cultivated appropriately.  Never take your network for granted and do everything you can to strengthen your existing relationships and to build new ones.  In the end your will have the best insurance policy money can’t buy.

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