Building friendships isn’t easy. Building working relationships is.

Yet, similarly to making friends, you have to put yourself out there. Who’s going to market your small business if you don’t?

Networking is a tool all business people need to learn, cultivate and practice. It takes perseverance and most of all, a good attitude.

Meeting people and finding those special key players who will help you get your ideas of the ground is essential.

In order for your business to work, you have to contribute the time and effort needed to get the ball rolling.

Once it happens, you may find yourself chasing that ball down the hill, recalling a time when you were wishing it would budge!

Start looking for opportunities to share your thoughts and make connections. Organize meetings with investors; attend business fairs; mingle with other successful entrepreneurs. In other words, do the work and you will be rewarded.