Traditionally, the concept of networking has conjured up thoughts of attending meetings with name tags and milling around a room shaking hands and meeting people. These events still do take place and can be effective, but today's entrepreneurs must branch out if they are to survive in business. There are many places to interact with others that are more efficient and more effective, and actually more personal. Talking specifically to others in your line of business can be particularly rewarding. The sharing of information on vendors and contractors, or even having discussions of the state of your industry can help develop a personal bond that can only help down the road.
Local and regional groups offer another networking opportunity. These are designed to allow business people from a variety of backgrounds to meet each other. Because you will be mingling with people from different types of businesses, you can make valuable contacts. The people you meet here might be future contacts or even future customers. Getting to know other people in your community gives every business deal a personal touch.
If you want your business to be considered a leader in your field, the Chamber of Commerce is a great place to start. Every community has a Chamber of Commerce, and joining will automatically put you in with a group that likes to do business with other members.
Supporting the arts and culture in your community will give you exposure to different eyes that you may not normally be in contact with. Often, influential and wealthy people support and attend art and cultural events, and your advertisement can be very successful in planting your business in their minds next time they need a service or product that you offer.
Volunteering shows you care about the community around you. This can give your image a real boost as well as allowing you to give back in a powerful and potent way. In addition to generating good will, you will meet other people who are in a position to give back to the community. Nontraditional avenues can include joining a gym, a golf club, a baseball team, or even your kid's PTA. Anywhere that you are moving in a group is an occasion to network and get your business name out there. Just be sure to mention your business whenever and wherever you can, and keep a thick stack of business cards on you at all times. Even the grocery store can be a place to network if you are presenting a professional and put together image that will give people a positive association when they think about you and your business.
Local and regional groups offer another networking opportunity. These are designed to allow business people from a variety of backgrounds to meet each other. Because you will be mingling with people from different types of businesses, you can make valuable contacts. The people you meet here might be future contacts or even future customers. Getting to know other people in your community gives every business deal a personal touch.
If you want your business to be considered a leader in your field, the Chamber of Commerce is a great place to start. Every community has a Chamber of Commerce, and joining will automatically put you in with a group that likes to do business with other members.
Supporting the arts and culture in your community will give you exposure to different eyes that you may not normally be in contact with. Often, influential and wealthy people support and attend art and cultural events, and your advertisement can be very successful in planting your business in their minds next time they need a service or product that you offer.
Volunteering shows you care about the community around you. This can give your image a real boost as well as allowing you to give back in a powerful and potent way. In addition to generating good will, you will meet other people who are in a position to give back to the community. Nontraditional avenues can include joining a gym, a golf club, a baseball team, or even your kid's PTA. Anywhere that you are moving in a group is an occasion to network and get your business name out there. Just be sure to mention your business whenever and wherever you can, and keep a thick stack of business cards on you at all times. Even the grocery store can be a place to network if you are presenting a professional and put together image that will give people a positive association when they think about you and your business.
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