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Q: How do I network my small business?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n A: <\/strong>Small business networking is a key aspect of entrepreneurship that is often overlooked; be it in person or online, taking the time to network is an investment in the future of your business that\u2019s importance cannot be understated.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Small business networking is the key to finding new clients, creating better business relationships, and in many cases, taking your business to the next level. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While business owner networking<\/strong> can be, and frequently is, carried out in person, the recent digital shift has made what used to be a very personal affair into something that can be done from the comfort of home. <\/p>\n\n\n\n With recent technological advancements and the boom of networking applications<\/a>, there\u2019s no reason not to be trying to build your business network digitally as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although business networking can be broken down into two categories, in-person and virtual, almost any interaction can be connected to networking. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Stopping by happy hour with other business owners, introducing others to your business, and talking about your business online are all valid examples of networking. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Take a look below to understand how networking has changed over the years, how it\u2019s stayed the same, and why it\u2019s so important for business owners to build a network of their own. <\/p>\n\n\n\n NEXT STEPS:<\/strong> Small Business Branding | Mastering the Attention Economy <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Running a small business takes a lot of work. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s easy to get caught up in the everyday operations of your business, and sometimes it just doesn\u2019t seem possible to do all the things necessary to keep the lights on and still make it to small business networking events<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Unfortunately, feeling like there aren\u2019t enough hours in the day is par for the course when it comes to running a business. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Networking is investing. You are trading your time for connections. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This exchange can happen in several different ways. There are various organizations<\/a> that you can join, local groups that put you in the same room with other like-minded business owners, and several virtual small business networking solutions<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can network any way you\u2019d like. The important thing is that you invest your time in doing it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In smaller communities, some of the more well-established small business owners might not think it necessary to network. Unless they don\u2019t want to grow, this is woefully misguided. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A stagnant business is a dying business. A lack of networking severely limits growth, and experience, and could even be taking a considerable chunk of potential profits. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Regardless of how connected or entrenched in the community, a business owner might think they are, networking is a free practice that has historically proven to pay dividends in the long run. <\/p>\n\n\n\n By networking, these small business owners are not only helping their businesses through word-of-mouth advertising and introductions to potential clients, but they are also helping other business owners in their communities! <\/p>\n\n\n\n There is no \u201cright\u201d way to network. Therefore, the best way to do it is by taking advantage of all of the resources made available to you as a small business owner. <\/p>\n\n\n This can include, but isn\u2019t limited to: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Utilizing these methods grants entrepreneurs an almost guaranteed competitive edge. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Just taking a few extra moments a day to check an app or stop in for a meeting does something many business owners spend their entire careers chasing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It makes you visible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n NEXT STEPS:<\/strong> Why Networking Is Still Important And How To Use It To Continue Striving In Your Career<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n You don\u2019t need any fancy small business networking equipment <\/strong>to succeed at in-person networking. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Networking in person can be as professional as joining an elite community of other handpicked entrepreneurs, or as casual as a drink during happy hour with other business owners. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Networking is nothing more than the exchange of time for connections, so sometimes all it takes is a smile and a nod while you\u2019re walking home. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Other times, however, it\u2019s going to take a little bit more elbow grease. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Below, we will look at a few different small business networking groups that are accessible from almost anywhere. <\/p>\n\n\n After learning a bit about these groups, we\u2019ll look into other ways you as a business owner can create a network; keep reading to learn more! <\/p>\n\n\n\n NEXT STEPS:<\/strong> The Industry Leader Trap: Should You Ignore The Major Players? <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Founded in 1905, the Rotary Club International<\/a> has been doing good in communities worldwide for well over a century. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Rotary Club focuses on growing local economies, fighting disease, and several other altruistic initiatives. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While not inherently designed for networking, showing your community that you as a small business owner have your neighbors’ best interests at heart goes a very long way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Not to mention the connections made by interacting with other like-minded and community-driven entrepreneurs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Giving back to your community shouldn\u2019t be motivated by personal gain, but if you look at two identical businesses, one loved by the community and one hated by the community, the business respected by locals will fare far better than its counterpart. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Otherwise known as a business network or a board of trade, your local chamber of commerce is designed specifically for entrepreneurs looking to make connections, meet others, and bolster business. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Unfortunately, due to the high number of small towns and cities in the United States, your city\u2019s chamber of commerce could be completely different than the chamber of commerce an hour down the road. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite these fluctuations in quality and design, the chamber of commerce is an excellent place to get started for any entrepreneur. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Not only does joining the organization grant access to an already functioning business network, but it also adds legitimacy to any current operations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The best way to determine if your area\u2019s chamber<\/a> has something you are looking for is simply to reach out, get involved, and ask questions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Local events will do wonders for your small business. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Many cities have festivals each year or other events that require vendors, if your business is selling a product – become a vendor! <\/p>\n\n\n\n Meet the people that you\u2019re hoping to turn into customers; help them put a face to a name and let them know where you are operating. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Sometimes it takes a bit of hand-holding, but these local events provide the unique opportunity to network while still selling your wares. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If your business offers a service, find other ways to get involved in these events, you don\u2019t have to be a vendor to stand out and build relationships. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Marketing is another one of those words that some entrepreneurs just seem to shy away from. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Regardless of whether or not your business is in the industry, your business could benefit from marketing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There aren\u2019t any businesses that would be worse off than they were before with a well-executed marketing initiative. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The American Marketing Association<\/a> has been challenging the status quo and updating best practices for over fifty years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While this organization does have fees associated with joining, these fees are relatively low, especially if you live close to a local AMA chapter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Check out their member page<\/a> to find your closest local chapter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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How Do I Network My Small Business? <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Chamber of Commerce<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Local Events<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
American Marketing Association<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3 Quick Tips for Small Business Networking <\/h2>\n\n\n
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