Back in June I wrote a blog post about how and why networking works. Click here to read that postand read on for more reasons that you should use networking to grow your business.

Face to face networking is about meeting the people who will help you make a success of your business. These people can be clients, suppliers and all the other people who can help your business to grow and thrive.

Here are three more reasons that networking works:

• Need some Help? Some networking groups provide you with an environment in which you can ask for the help you need with your business. These meetings are very good ways of finding the suppliers you need, as well as for seeking advice to help you overcome business issues. You can even ask for feedback on new marketing initiatives before you invest in them. At our monthly Networking Lunch you can tell us exactly who you?re looking for and we?ll do what we can to introduce you to them.

• Want to Meet People? If you work on your own all day, or you just like meeting people, networking is a great way of getting out and seeing people. It can be an enjoyable way of promoting your business. Sometimes you just need to get out and have business conversations with other people, to share ideas and find out what?s going on in your local business community.

• The Wider Network. While networking is about telling people what you do and helping them to remember you and your business, you should be aware that it is not just about focusing on the people in the room. It is also very much about encouraging these people to tell others about what you do, helping you to spread your network even further. Be really clear on who you?re looking to meet and other people will be able to help you to find them.

Networking is one of the most cost-effective ways to promote your business, especially when you provide a service, such as coaching, consultancy or training. Use it to grow your network and you?ll find it a great way to meet the people you need to meet.