With economic pressures putting the squeeze on marketing budgets, one tactic small businesses and B2B marketers should consider moving up on their priority list is networking.

In a Business Week podcast, Liz Lynch, founder of the Center for Networking Excellence and author of Smart Networking, says, ““Networking is one of the most cost-effective ways to keep marketing during an economic downturn.”

Not only for extroverts
Lynch stresses that you don’t have to be an extrovert to be successful at networking. In fact, introverts are often much better at letting others have the spotlight and share their story – qualities that are essential to building relationships and networking successfully.

Commit to the time investment
Joining a local industry group or alliance can be a great way to start your networking efforts. Monthly meetings will be worth your investment in time to grow your network – and your business. Groups like E3…