Are you a small business owner looking for an opportunity to meet other small business owners so you can share ideas, experience, and referrals?
As an entrepreneur, networking is a key activity that is not only fun, but critical to your personal growth, business development, and in many cases to the very survival of your business. Small business is all about networking, building relationships and taking action.
Building a successful business takes a lot of time and drive, so it’s good to have a network of friends and associates to draw energy from and keep you going. By surrounding yourself with people who share a similar drive and ambition, you are more likely to move forward as a group.
But that’s not the only benefit of networking. In fact that’s only the beginning. We'll share a few ideas about the benefits of networking as shared by Small Business BC below. However, let me first announce that we are starting a Small Business Network to give local small businesses a chance to come together on a weekly basis with 3 goals in mind:
- Learn FROM each other
- Learn ABOUT each other
- Make REFERRALS to help each other grow our businesses
In time we will be dividing into different networking groups as necessary to ensure that there is only one person per industry/company in each networking group. However, to start things off we will all meet together on Thursdays at 12:00 NOON in the Chamber of Commerce board room. The address is 160 North Main in Logan.
We extend a special invitation to those in direct sales and network marketing. We realize there aren't a lot of opportunities for you to network with other business owners like yourself who face a unique set of challenges and could learn a great deal from each other. Come take advantage of this opportunity to interact with others who may be experiencing some similar things.
So- as promised- here are some additional ideas on the benefits of networking:
1. Shared Knowledge
Networking is great for sharing ideas and knowledge. Whether it’s asking for feedback or discussing your point of view, it will help you expand your knowledge and allow you to see things from another perspective.
It is also likely that within a group there will be those who have already been where you are today. This provides you with an opportunity to learn and avoid some of the common pitfalls they experienced.
2. Opportunities
It’s natural that networking will result in opportunities. The thing you will not know is when or how they will materialize. Whether it’s a referral, offer partnership or request for your service or product, it is important to be ready to seize opportunities when they come along.
3. Connections
Remember you are not just gaining exposure to the people in the room, you are building connections with their network too. If someone they know has a need that matches your business, if you have made an impression, you will likely get a referral.
And remember, it’s not just a one-way street. If someone in your network matches a business you encounter at an event, don’t hesitate to share their details. It will only strengthen your relationship.
4. Increased confidence
By regularly networking, and pushing yourself to talk to people you don’t know, it will help increase your confidence. This is an important attribute as a business owner, because your business growth is dependent on talking to people and making connections.
5. Raising your profile
Being visible and getting noticed is a big benefit of networking. By regularly attending business and social events, people will begin to recognize you. This can you help to build your reputation as a knowledgeable, reliable and supportive person by offering useful information or tips to people who need it. You are also more likely to get more leads and referrals as you will be the one that pops into their head when they need what you offer.
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