As a small business owner, you may find yourself hungry for input, looking for peers with similar goals and an organization to provide you with information that you may not have the time to gather yourself. The small business person’s life can be a lonely one, particularly if you’re accustomed to the group dynamic that exists within a larger organization.
Networking can play a powerful role in counteracting this reality. But more important, networking can actually affect the bottom line. You actually have to reach out and “touch” people for the sales process to work. You can spend a lot of money on direct mail and ads, but the best way to build your business is by expanding the network in which you operate.
Networking, whatever your personal purpose, is a must. Taking some time to network with your peers and make use of the resources provided by the large number of small business associations can greatly enhance your business and assist you in staying vital in your inevitably changing industry.
But where does one start? How can you know if a group is a good one? In addition to local chambers of commerce, there are a number of other business networking associations that can help you connect with others, share best practices and keep you having conversations with like-minded professionals. We’ve helped here by providing some joining guidelines as well as some resources for further exploration.
Joining a Group: Some Basics Look first to see if there is already a networking group or business leads group running in your area. Search the newspapers for the community calendar. Here, you will learn about meetings, their times, and locations. If you decide to join, expect to pay dues of $50 to $200 a quarter to belong. Paying $200 a quarter is cheap when you look at the potential sales that can come from joining. This type of business comes with trust and trust can take some time to develop.
Usually these groups are made up of one representative from each type of profession (to eliminate competition within the group). Check to see if your profession is available. Remember that the power of these groups is that you have the audience of a small group of professionals at regular intervals. Sooner or later, they are going to tell people about you. Referrals that are made by people we know and trust are the most successful and are always the easiest to turn into sales.
Getting Started We’ve included some examples of small business professional networks and associations that have gained popularity and traction as a guide for you to explore and find out more information in your particular town or city.
- http://www.bni.com/
- http://www.businessknowhow.com/tips/networking.htm
- http://www.womanowned.com/
- http://www.businesstown.com/associations/index.asp (index of industry associations)
Remember: if you don’t find a group that suits you, you always have the power to start your own group!
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