A major mistake that many entrepreneurs make -- and don’t realize -- is in marketing themselves, not their business. They forget that a business is not about them, it’s about serving their customers.

It’s not about who you are or what you do -- it’s about your clients, customers, and potential buyers. How can you help customers be more successful? How can you solve their problems?

Networking is about relationship building not making sales pitches where you force others to listen to you drone on excitedly about yourself.

The two most important networking skills you can develop are listening and asking questions. These two skills will impress your clients even more than your best business statistics.

Why? Because listening validates the value of others and shows respect. Talking too much is rude, dominating, and not reciprocal. Asking thoughtful questions shows sincerity and builds trust because it actively shows an interest in someone's opinions and thoughts.

We have found that as you begin to use your membership and attend events that the most successful are those that fully understand this creed.