Network Your Way to Business Success
Author: Will Corrente
Thanks to the web there are a myriad of options available to small business entrepreneurs to connect, network and market their business.
Professional networking sites such as LinkedIn and personal networking sites such as Facebook are helping small business owners, entrepreneurs and professionals connect and network with colleagues, customers and friends. However, as a small business entrepreneur one of the most effective means of marketing has always been in person connecting and networking.
At a recent networking event hosted by Aron Schoenfeld of Do it in Person , he pointed out that, “we cannot let technology replace good old fashioned face-to-face time.” Getting out and networking is the surest way to develop relationships that will benefit you in both the short and long term. The interaction and getting to know people on a personal level is something that people look forward to and cannot be replaced by technology.
The need for in person connecting and networking was also echoed by New Jersey entrepreneur Ron Denequolo of Magic Cleaning Concepts, LLC in Pequannock, NJ who uses in person networking via a local BNI chapter to grow his business. “The in person interaction of the weekly meetings has been great at helping me connect and spread the word about my business,” says Denequolo.
In person connecting and networking can take place in a variety of settings and through a variety of organizations. There are many networking opportunities available to small business entrepreneurs by joining one or more clubs and organizations or participating in social events, some of which include:
- Community Service Organizations – Kiwanis and Rotary are community service clubs that provide an opportunity for business owners to network while volunteering their time and effort for the improvement of specific charitable causes.
- Business Networking Clubs – BNI and LeTip are traditional business networking organizations where members pay a fee to be a part of the chapter and the chapter operates for the exclusive purpose of allowing members to network, connect and refer business to one another.
- Chambers of Commerce- although not specifically designed for networking, your local chamber usually hosts events, meetings and other activities to foster member to member networking.
- Professional Associations- such as the American Bar Association, American Medical Association, or local organizations such as the Bergen County Bar Association, offer member to member networking opportunities for a specific industry or profession.
- Meet Up Groups- a relatively new concept of networking where a group is created around a specific purpose to “meet-up.” Check the web for a local business related meet up group in your area.
- Entrepreneur Conferences – groups that host informational and social events with groups of successful entrepreneurs such as New York Entrepreneur Week, Renaissance Weekend, and Summit Series
- Alumni Associations- connecting and networking with fellow alumni of your college or university provides an excellent forum for networking and relationship building.
As an entrepreneur or small business, in person connecting and networking can be a boom to your business and to your bottom line. The key to effective connecting and networking is to build a personal relationship with each person you meet. Take the time to listen to your new contact; who they are, what they do, and who is their ideal customer, or what need they wish to fill. Prospects and customers love to put a face with the name and build a relationship with a person as well as a company.
Tags: small business entrepreneur networking magic cleaning concepts will corrente aron schoenfeld alumni associations business networking chambers of commerce do it in person facebook linkedin
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