Joining Business Organizations and Networking Groups
I don’t want to pass up the opportunity to share an article I read about joining business organizations and networking groups. Below are a few highlights:
The best way to increase name recognition and overall success for your business is still to join business organizations and/or "face-to-face" business networking groups. It is especially important for small businesses trying to sell locally.
Benefits of Business Organizations
Many business organizations also offer benefits to members, such as discounts on particular services or products, or special promotional opportunities.
For example, many business networking groups offer members the chance to present their business to the group or get specific business advice. Business organizations with websites often allow members to list their businesses in their online directories for free or advertise without cost on their sites.
Industry-Specific or General Business Organizations?
Being a member of an industry-specific business organization is a great way to contribute to the growth of your industry and keep up with advances in your field, as well as an excellent opportunity to learn from others who may have more experience or new ideas.
General business organizations provide opportunities to interact with people in other fields, which can be an eye-opening experience. Many organizations exist for a particular purpose, such as to provide networking for businesses in a specific geographic area. Others focus on community service, which can greatly enhance your small business's profile in the community.
Social Media Networking
Meeting other local business people face-to-face and thereby participating in your local community will do more to sell your sprockets or cleaning services that thousands of tweets.
That said, social media, such as Facebook and Twitter, can be excellent networking tools and provide lots of opportunity for engaging customers. Be sure you know what you're doing here; you don't want to come across as inept because that could ultimately damage your brand. You may even consider outsourcing your social media networking to a reputable person or company.
If you want to keep reading click the link here for the full article. Please feel free to contact me on 0467 749 378 or email at [email protected] for any thoughts and perspectives.
Thanks,
Robert