As we near the end of 2009, it's our tendency to slow down in our networking efforts. It's a very busy time of year and we tend to feel we just don't have time to attend one more networking event.  So stand out and take the opportunity to attend one more networking event before the end of the year.

Now is the time to prepare for the New Year. One of the best ways to market your business is to build trusting relationships. You build trusting relationships by networking and getting to know people and what they do. Take a sincere and personal interest in them. Find out who their ideal client is so you know who to refer to them.

Start planning today to grow your network so you can start 2010 on the right foot. Make it a point to connect with at least 2-3 new people and follow up in January over a cup of coffee.

When asked who their target market or ideal client is, many small business owners say 'everyone'. To succeed in today's market, your service business needs to narrow its target market and identify your ideal client. Think about who your clients are right now. What do they have in common? What industry are most of your clients in? The answers give you a good indication of who your target market should be.

Take some time to write down a detailed profile of your ideal client. Now not every client you have may fit this description perfectly. But this is who you want to specifically target to. Is it a man or woman? What age range? What industry is he or she in? Where is he located? What are her interests? What challenges does he or she face?

Here's an example: "My ideal client is a female life coach between the ages of 45 and 55. She's been in business 3-5 years but hasn't promoted her business and wants to increase her clientele."

Once you've described your ideal client and narrowed your target market, it will be easier to market your business and not waste time and money marketing to prospects who aren't interested or that you don't want.