Networking Your Business for Fun,
Support and Profit
By: Marie Mushing
Some people don’t understand networking, yet we do it in our everyday lives in our conversations without ever realizing it.
For example: Sally and Jane are talking about clothes and Sally is raving over the fabulous outfits at a certain store to Jane, so Jane trusting Sally goes to that store and buys from them. They have just networked a business. Networking isn’t work, yet it does take time. When we join network groups, it is with the expectation that we will gain something from it, be it business or knowledge or support. The trick is that it takes time to know the people in the group and there are a few things one should consider when making a decision about investing money in a network group.
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The people involved. Are the people involved in my target group for new business?
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Will I gain business knowledge from this group?
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Do these people have products or services I can use?
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Will my investment of time and money be of value to my business?
- Will I be able to send referrals to some of these people in the future?
Networking is like adding a mini sales force to your business. When you consider making a purchase, find out if someone in the group can provide you with the products or services or refer you to a person that can. Why? Because that is why we join Network groups. You have to put a bit of your own time and effort into it monthly, but the return only as good as your participation. Sure, it is easy to say, well, the big box store down the street has the same thing for a cheaper price, but do we want to support our local business economy or the giant corporations?
When you buy through the people in your network group, they may be eventually able to buy from you or refer someone to you for business. Now wasn’t that worth spending a couple dollars more? The more you support small business and the businesses in your group, the more support and business you will receive in return. Offering the value of your area of expertise to a group gives you credibility, and lets people know you and your business a little better. If given the chance to present your business to a network group, do it!
Shop for network groups. Most allow you to come out as a guest a couple times before you make a decision. This gives you a chance to learn more about them and the people involved. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or to find someone in business that may be able to direct you to groups that can help you to move your business forward. I have personally turned business people away from my own network group, as I knew I could not help them reach their target markets.
Most importantly, you want to have fun with the groups you network with and enjoy being part of the group. If you aren’t happy, then maybe it isn’t the group for you. Good luck and happy Networking!
Published by Marie Mushing
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