If you’re going to be ahead of the game in a new and growing small business, networking is for you. Developing relationships with others in your field is vitally important. Good networking takes a lot of creativity and hard work, but it’s as important as any other investment you’ve made in your business and the key to your success.
Online and offline networking differ significantly. Depending on your business, you’ll want to focus your attention on the one most conducive to gaining new and keeping your present clients or customers. The business world travels on relationships and a business successful in nurturing them will be successful.
Few businesses thrive in a vaccuum. Relationships with fellow business owners can provide fresh insights, leads, and a little comic relief when it’s needed. You can begin network online by searching for trade and business association websites, blogs, and other sites frequented by business owners and your potential customers. Look for those online sites that you’re interested in and assume that others wearing your shoes would travel to the same spots. Get involved. Use the chat rooms and other online opportunities such as contributing information and articles, question and answer forums, and sponsorship, to touch base with others and find common ground. Our society has accepted the validity of online relationships and friendships between people who never actually meet in person are common.
You can also make contacts by sponsoring the websites your colleagues and customers are visiting. Local newspapers, radio stations, chambers of commerce, and community groups set up sites where you might be able to advertise for free or contribute small articles. Anything to get your name in the spotlight is a good way to network. As people get to know you, you’re the person they’ll call.
Finding offline ways to network with others is going to require a little more time and money. Trade shows, conferences, chambers of commerce, and other community business associations are great places to meet people. Join the organizations and go to the meetings.
Never forget that customers are networking, too. They’re looking for the best pricing they can find. Make yourself highly visible at events and you’ll draw in some potential business.
Networking offline means hitting the road. Talk to people at the conferences and trade shows. Exchange phone numbers and emails and make sure you do follow-up calls when you get home.
Be active in local social groups. As potential customers learn to trust you, this trust will carry over into your business.
Getting the word out about your business is critical. The amount of money spent on advertising by major corporations is a testament to that fact. Small businesses can’t afford to sink thousands of dollars into a magazine ad or radio spot, so an alternative way to promote your small business needs to be found. Networking is the answer.
Networking online and offline is one of the most important things you’ll ever do for your business. Your success depends on it.
good advice and nice blog - me like !