Small business networking. Does the very idea give you a heavy feeling in the pit of your stomach? If so, you're not alone. Many small business owners are 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.
The best way to get more comfortable with the idea of a networking group is to choose the group that works best for you. One group that will make you feel comfortable and at the same time, help you with your business, is Toastmasters.
Toastmasters? Isn't that just for public speaking? Well, the fact is that although public speaking is the main focus of Toastmasters, it's also a darn good place to network. There are some surprisingly effective networking benefits when you join Toastmasters. Let me elaborate.
For one thing, Toastmasters is recognized as a leadership building tool, so the people you will meet in your local Toastmasters group make great small business networking contacts. Public speaking is all about learning to speak eloquently and without fear while utilizing listening skills in order to recognize and react to another speaker's body language - thus gaining a deeper insight and understanding of their unspoken needs. In business, this knowledge is often worth its weight in gold.
At the same time, you will get practice in speaking well in many different settings, while learning how to recognize other people's body language and to use that knowledge to your advantage. And in any business, especially sales, knowing how to read other people is very useful. You get all of this while mingling with other individuals who might need your services or products, or who might refer you to someone else who does.
Since communication is a major focus at Toastmasters meetings, you'll be expected to practice giving speeches. Why not start by giving a speech about your product or service? This way, you're honing your skills as a public speaker and marketing your business as well!
Some small business owners feels like they are "selling themselves" whenever they are in a networking event. But, if join Toastmasters, you won't feel like you're shoving your business down someone's throat. You are just someone who's meeting new people and practicing public speaking, while at the same time letting people know about your business or expertise.
Although there is a membership fee to join Toastmasters, it is a good investment when you consider the potential enormous return in the end. Toastmasters chapters are available all throughout the United States and Canada.
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.
The best way to get more comfortable with the idea of a networking group is to choose the group that works best for you. One group that will make you feel comfortable and at the same time, help you with your business, is Toastmasters.
Toastmasters? Isn't that just for public speaking? Well, the fact is that although public speaking is the main focus of Toastmasters, it's also a darn good place to network. There are some surprisingly effective networking benefits when you join Toastmasters. Let me elaborate.
For one thing, Toastmasters is recognized as a leadership building tool, so the people you will meet in your local Toastmasters group make great small business networking contacts. Public speaking is all about learning to speak eloquently and without fear while utilizing listening skills in order to recognize and react to another speaker's body language - thus gaining a deeper insight and understanding of their unspoken needs. In business, this knowledge is often worth its weight in gold.
At the same time, you will get practice in speaking well in many different settings, while learning how to recognize other people's body language and to use that knowledge to your advantage. And in any business, especially sales, knowing how to read other people is very useful. You get all of this while mingling with other individuals who might need your services or products, or who might refer you to someone else who does.
Since communication is a major focus at Toastmasters meetings, you'll be expected to practice giving speeches. Why not start by giving a speech about your product or service? This way, you're honing your skills as a public speaker and marketing your business as well!
Some small business owners feels like they are "selling themselves" whenever they are in a networking event. But, if join Toastmasters, you won't feel like you're shoving your business down someone's throat. You are just someone who's meeting new people and practicing public speaking, while at the same time letting people know about your business or expertise.
Although there is a membership fee to join Toastmasters, it is a good investment when you consider the potential enormous return in the end. Toastmasters chapters are available all throughout the United States and Canada.
About the Author:
Want to find out more about small business networking groups, then visit Barbra Sundquist's home business website.
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