As a business owner, you are nearly always trying to expand the number of potential customers or clients that you are reaching. A good way to think of these networks is to imagine them as a series of overlapping spheres. Each person is at the center of a network, which is comprised of the people that he or she knows. Each one of these people is also at the center of their network, and a member of others.

When you visualize networking in this way, you can quickly see how an entire business networking “universe” can be built from these spheres. This can lead to some effective networking strategies:

· Pick your targets based on the size of their “spheres”
If you develop a strong relationship with someone in the community whose knowledge and abilities are highly respected, then you will, by association, gain some valuable standing when that person thinks highly of you. In addition, you will also get more exposure when they speak highly of you because, simply put, more people are listening.

· Evaluate the quality of a sphere
Carefully consider the people with whom you do business. If you work with someone who is dishonest or unscrupulous, then that may taint your reputation as well. Always use your good judgment, and do not refuse to work with someone solely based on their reputation. However, should you find that they do, indeed, engage in poor business practices or work closely with others who cheat or steal, then you should probably try to end your relationship as pleasantly as possible.

· Turn your own sphere to your advantage
Just as you want to work with and for people who can help you advance your business, so will others want to work with and for you. Cultivate your sphere to include business contacts in every area that can be related to your business. For example, if you are a landscaper you might want to have a number of contractors, builders, real estate investors, painters and general maintenance workers in your sphere. Not only will knowing them help your exposure, but it can also make others want to work with you in hopes of making valuable contacts later.

And remember, market creatively, carefully and often!

It can be difficult to stay positive when your business is struggling. In fact, you may reach a point where things look so bleak that it is absolutely tempting to wallow in your misery. However, should you succumb to this temptation, it will surely be the end of your business. In addition, it can place a major strain on personal relationships and even sabotage your professional reputation permanently.

As a result, it is vital that you learn to stay positive even when everything stinks. This does not mean hide your head in the sand or whistle while your ship sinks. Instead, it means using the negativity around you to turn a bad situation into something a little more palatable and productive. I know from personal experience that this is a pretty tall order when things are going bad. That is why I have made this list of actionable things to do to turn a bad situation around.

•    Look for new opportunities.
When business booms, you stick with what is working. However, when things go south it may be time to give up some of your long-term habits that may not be working so well anymore. Good places to “renovate” are advertising (are you getting the most targeted, effective marketing possible?) and promotions.

•    Explore new avenues of time investment.
If business is slow, then you probably have some extra time on your hands. The best way to make this time productive is to chart how to spend it. There may be an arena of your business that you have always thought looked promising but did not have the time to explore. Now is a good time to investigate new options and alternatives without having to hire another hand on deck.

•    Reevaluate your priorities.
Take a hard look at your mission statement. If you do not have one, then write one. Setting your priorities to paper will give you and your employees a better sense of purpose and direction. This can make a major difference in how productively and efficiently your company runs.

•    Count your blessings.
Of course, you should always count your family, friends, health, etc. But for now, be a little more focused. Count your business’s blessings. This means clients that have stayed loyal, income that is still coming in and things that are working. Itemizing positives not only helps you stay positive, but it will help you target the things that are (and are not) working for you so that you can effect a change that will help turn things around.

And remember, market creatively, carefully and often!