Network, network, network

It might sound cliché, but no matter how modern and sophisticated technology becomes for marketing and sales, nothing can replace the good ol’ personal referral. There are a myriad of local groups and organizations you can become involved in to meet people and start to make connections — and even have some fun while you’re at it!

• Start attending your local chamber of commerce events and mixers. You can also attend chamber events in nearby cities and towns.
• Join local associations for your type of business or a related business and attend their meetings. For example, if you are a web development company, it's a good idea to join your local technology association
• If you are interested in politics, join your local party chapter.
• Take a class at a gym.
• Take a cooking or photography class at your local community college or university — something where you can interact and chat with members of the class (not just sit to hear a lecture).
• Love softball? Join a rec league!
• Do you play the trumpet? Join a community band.

If you spend time meeting people with similar interests, it's easy to make friends, start conversations, and eventually get to that valuable question...

"What do you do?"