Monday 12 March 2012

Top 3 Reasons to Join a Small Business Networking Group

By Barbra Sundquist


As a small business person, you may feel that networking is just one more thing on your already massive to-do list. But I'm here to tell you that joining a small business networking group just might be the best thing you ever did for your business success.

I am an advocate of small business networking groups because as you help others, you also help yourself! You not only tell the people about your business but you also find out how you can be of help to them. And as we all know, helping others is one of the best ways to make them remember you (and send you referrals).

You see, the thing that people dread the most about standard "meet and greet" networking events is the feeling that you have to "sell" yourself to people who may not be interested in hearing about you and your business. That's where joining a small business networking group is so helpful: the whole point of the group is to tell each other about your respective businesses and see how you can help each other with referrals. So you get to network without feeling like a pushy salesperson. What a relief!

Another advantage of joining a business networking group is that you have the ability to promote yourself directly to other local businesses who may need your product or services. And even if they don't directly hire you they may be able to recommend you to someone else.

In addition, the support that you get from a networking group cannot be underestimated. Some people report that their weekly breakfast meeting is the most productive meeting of their week. In addition, a networking group usually offers you group advertising discounts, business educational seminars, and lots of useful new ideas

But even with all these advantages, many small business owners are still put off by the idea of networking.

The bottom line is that networking is an important way to let other people know about your business. After all, if nobody knows about your business, it won't be successful.

Joining a networking group is not nearly as intimidating as you might think. In fact, it can actually be fun as long as you join a group that suits you and your business. Consider joining a networking group -- you'll be glad you did!




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