When most business people think of networking, they think of stuffy meet and greet occasions where they are shuffled like cattle from one new contact to the next. While these occasions can be a good way of meeting other people in your community, there are a variety of places to network that may be more personal, more effective, and more efficient. Talking to people who are not just in business, but in business in your particular field can be particularly helpful. You can share information on suppliers and contractors, or simply commiserate about the downsides of your industry. Plus, this means you will truly know your competition, both on a business and on a personal level.
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.
The Chamber of Commerce should not be overlooked. Don't write them off as a cliche. The Chamber of Commerce is a very much alive and influential group in almost every community. Joining them means making a difference in the many causes that affect your area while establishing yourself as a leader in your field and in your community.
If you are given the opportunity, it is always a good idea to support your local arts and cultural events. This is generally very inexpensive advertising for your company, but your name and logo will be in the eyes of many influential and wealthy people. When they have a need for a service you provide, you will likely be the one they consider.
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. - 16747
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.
The Chamber of Commerce should not be overlooked. Don't write them off as a cliche. The Chamber of Commerce is a very much alive and influential group in almost every community. Joining them means making a difference in the many causes that affect your area while establishing yourself as a leader in your field and in your community.
If you are given the opportunity, it is always a good idea to support your local arts and cultural events. This is generally very inexpensive advertising for your company, but your name and logo will be in the eyes of many influential and wealthy people. When they have a need for a service you provide, you will likely be the one they consider.
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. - 16747
About the Author:
If you are looking to sharpen your skills, then Six Sigma may be an excellent venture. Employers pay up to $15,000 more to candidates who have Lean Six Sigma training. Visit www.sixsigmaonline.org to find out how you can make yourself more desirable to employers.
