Who's Who in Business Basics

Knowing the who's who in business basics will allow you to profit from networking
By Jessica Drew, Freelance Business Writer & Editor Being familiar with who's who in business will open doors for you and your company. Having the ability to successfully network can ensure that you receive a steady stream of clients, maintain brand recognition and have the resources and contacts at your disposal when you need them during a business slump. Figuring out all the who's who of business may seem like a daunting task, since there is such a great number of potential contacts. However, the reality is that it's truly a small world and once you narrow down prospective contacts to your industry and niche market the relevant who's who in American business becomes a manageable size.

The first and most basic component to interacting with persons on your business who's who list is to make a good first impression. Making a good first impression can be as simple as using electronic letterhead when emailing or dressing sharply and being warm, relaxed and friendly when meeting someone in person. To find these business contacts, implement the who’s who in business basics, such as:

1. Create your own who's who in business profile, so others will know who you are.

2. Find who's who in business contacts in your field via the Internet.

3. Find local contacts through who's who in business guides.

Create a profile on a who's who in business website

The first basic step you need to take to successfully interacting with the who's who of your industry is to create your own business profile. Many who's who websites allow you to create a business profile for yourself. This way, contacts can find your profile online and you can refer contacts that you meet to your profile. It's sort of a virtual business card, and is an effective networking tool.
Try:  Madison Who’s Who is a large who's who networking site that allows member to build a detailed profile of themselves. The Marquis Who’s Who also allows you to build a profile and even offers a free trial.

Search an online who's who in business database

When learning who's who in business basics, figuring out how to find the contacts is an important first step. There are several online databases that allow users to search for relevant industry contacts. Some of these sites offer this as a free service, while others change a nominal fee. You can search for contacts and then take steps to form a business relationship.
Try:  Business Networking International (BNI) charges a membership fee, but is a huge worldwide source for top level executive contacts. DemandBase is a pay as you go service and also has a substantial base of contacts, and offers a cash credit to new users.

Find local contacts through who's who in business websites

One of the most effective ways to network is to meet other professionals in your area. Once you've learned the basics of finding business contacts via a who's who guide, then you can move forward by focusing on those closer to home. Some business contacts search sites have specialized search options that allow you to find industry experts and colleagues in right in your own community.
Try:  BizNik has different networking channels for almost every community in the US. It has three levels of membership, starting with a free, basic account. Cambridge Who’s Who brings you both a hard-copy edition of its guide and an online, fully searchable edition that lets you find the business leaders in any industry. This guide is a by-invitation only service, so you know those listed are all the top in their field.

• Whenever you interact with people listed as who's who business professionals, make sure you follow up with them. This is a professional and friendly gesture, and will help the contact remember who you are.