Joining a Small Business Networking Group - Is it Worth It?
As a small business person, you may feel that networking is just one more thing on your already massive to-do list. But I'm here to tell you that joining a small business networking group just might be the best thing you ever did for your business success.
I am an advocate of small business networking groups because as you help others, you also help yourself! You not only tell the people about your business but you also find out how you can be of help to them. And as we all know, helping others is one of the best ways to make them remember you (and send you referrals).
Are you one of those people who try to avoid the standard "meet and greet" networking events? I don't blame you: I do the same thing. There's that nagging feeling that you have to "sell" yourself to people who may not be interested in hearing about you and your business. That's the good thing about joining a small business networking group: the concept of the group is to tell each other about your respective businesses and try to see how you can help each other with referrals. Because everyone is there with the explicit goal of helping each other, there isn't that competitive feeling that comes with some networking events.
Another advantage of joining a business networking group is that you have the ability to promote yourself directly to other local businesses who may need your product or services. And even if they don't directly hire you they may be able to recommend you to someone else.
In addition, the support that you get from a networking group cannot be underestimated. Some people report that their weekly breakfast meeting is the most productive meeting of their week. In addition, a networking group usually offers you group advertising discounts, business educational seminars, and lots of useful new ideas
Even considering all the advantages, many small business owners are still put off by the idea of networking.
So why network? Let's face it, it doesn't matter if you have the world's best widget at the lowest possible price. If nobody knows about it, your business won't be successful. That's why networking is so important.
Joining a networking group is not nearly as intimidating as you might think. In fact, it can actually be fun as long as you join a group that suits you and your business. Consider joining a networking group -- you'll be glad you did!
I am an advocate of small business networking groups because as you help others, you also help yourself! You not only tell the people about your business but you also find out how you can be of help to them. And as we all know, helping others is one of the best ways to make them remember you (and send you referrals).
Are you one of those people who try to avoid the standard "meet and greet" networking events? I don't blame you: I do the same thing. There's that nagging feeling that you have to "sell" yourself to people who may not be interested in hearing about you and your business. That's the good thing about joining a small business networking group: the concept of the group is to tell each other about your respective businesses and try to see how you can help each other with referrals. Because everyone is there with the explicit goal of helping each other, there isn't that competitive feeling that comes with some networking events.
Another advantage of joining a business networking group is that you have the ability to promote yourself directly to other local businesses who may need your product or services. And even if they don't directly hire you they may be able to recommend you to someone else.
In addition, the support that you get from a networking group cannot be underestimated. Some people report that their weekly breakfast meeting is the most productive meeting of their week. In addition, a networking group usually offers you group advertising discounts, business educational seminars, and lots of useful new ideas
Even considering all the advantages, many small business owners are still put off by the idea of networking.
So why network? Let's face it, it doesn't matter if you have the world's best widget at the lowest possible price. If nobody knows about it, your business won't be successful. That's why networking is so important.
Joining a networking group is not nearly as intimidating as you might think. In fact, it can actually be fun as long as you join a group that suits you and your business. Consider joining a networking group -- you'll be glad you did!
About the Author:
Learn more about business networking groups by visiting Barbra Sundquist's home business website.