Men have the pool table, the poker room and the golf course... and women? Women have... networking groups! If you are a woman in business, no matter small or large, having a good networking list and taking care of your business network will help you in deciding what to do next. And if you already have goals in your mind, your network can help you to achieve those goals.

Networking is one of the easiest and an important way to build your clientele. Janet Powers, the chief executive of Diva Toolbox, says, "Men do a lot of business on the golf course, women do business in networking groups".

Although daunting for some at first, once you get into the swing of networking, it's a great fun and hugely rewarding. Building a network of people around you, whom you know, trust and respect is a best way to generate contacts. Good networking skills are obligatory for every business woman and they must be able to do it well. There are 5 easy steps for business networking which can have positive results, when followed well.

Have sharp skills

Networking is a gateway. By building and maintaining a strong network, you can get better opportunities. To meet new people and get acquainted, you need to be able to tell them in a few words what you do for a living, what type of a person you are, and what are your goals. You must be sharp that you convey this information within minutes, because no one likes listening to someone else talking about herself continuously. Another major part of this step of networking is to see what you can do for helping them. If possible, do this before asking them for their help.

Have the proper mindset

Networking is a long process and one that is everlasting. Do not leave networking if you're employed; try to continue it. Even if you do not need contacts or clientele current, find them, keep them and nurture them. Who knows, someone many offer you an opportunity which could take a whole new direction in your life. Always spend some time to maintain relationships with people who you can learn from, who work in areas you find interesting and who encourage you. To build and maintain a successful relationship, don't underestimate the time it will take.

Influence your connections

It is one of the best ways of building a relationship in networking. Send these people some friendly mails and sometimes news clipping every now and then, about the things they are interested in. It should be something valuable for them. If carried out well, you could get a great deal from networking.

Give Value to your contacts

Both the people in the process of networking should be able to benefit each other mutually. Don't be worried if the people you're speaking with are not suitable for your business. Networking is about being selective and knowing people better, with whom you spend the majority of time. If they don't match, move on and see if you can introduce them to someone who is more appropriate to their business.

Have a follow up

Try to have a follow up of your contacts. Once you have made a contact, make it a point to keep in touch. If the connection is important to you, you're the one who needs to make it happen.