I’m been pleased to see that all three Fishbowl businesses recognise the power of networking.

Matt in Fishbowl One makes sure he’s always at the latest gig, checking out up and coming bands; Marcela in Fishbowl Two takes her products to exhibitions and Dominic and Owain in Fishbowl Three have recognised the benefits of signing up to his local BNI Chapter, even penning their own blog on the site “Network to make it work”.

Even if you’re up against it with deadlines or working flat out on your business, continuing to build networks is so important.

If I lost everything over night (as I once did) and had to fight back again, the first thing I would do when I woke up the next morning is call all the people in my Little Black Book. At the end of the day, business is all about people, so it’s important to keep meeting new ones!

Well formed and well maintained networks (and believe me the up-keep can be time-consuming) can always be relied upon to help you solve your problems and if you get the combination of contacts right, those connections can start doing the work for you – getting messages about your business out on your behalf.

I’ve lost count of the number of times an email has landed in my inbox or I’ve received a tweet from a stranger who’s met someone who knows someone I know and thinks we might be able to work together. Never underestimate the power of a network referral. Some of my best businesses were started this way.

So make sure you take a break from your businesses now and again, get out into the fresh air and talk passionately to anyone and everyone that will listen. You never know when that conversation will pay dividends.