Three Networking Tips for Small Businesses

Although it seems as though social networking has transformed the way that people interact with one another, business to business networking is not a new concept. Business owners and managers have always needed the support and advice of other businesses to remain in tune with the changing trends of industry, and have always strived to have a working relationship with both their allies and their competition in order to keep pace with (and stay ahead of) the pack.

I have spent much of the last year working to assist a small business in their launch and have found that while networking has become a much more public occurrence than it was a decade ago, the basic needs and outcomes of small business networking are the same. When networking, we are all looking for three basic things: The support of others in similar situations, the advice of those who have overcome the difficulties we now face and the ability to grow our business while helping others to reach their own potential.

While small business networking can become an overwhelming concept, it doesn't have to be if you know where to start. Below are three suggestions that can easily become goldmines of information, support and opportunity.

Join your local Chamber of Commerce

Big or small, your Chamber of Commerce is a great place to start networking with other small businesses in your community. Not only will joining the Chamber allow you to become involved in a variety of community events where you will be able to network, but it will also open the door to local marketing and business partnerships that you may not otherwise have access to. Chamber of Commerce groups are available nationwide, and fees to join are nominal compared to the amount of support and opportunity that they provide. If you are having difficulty finding your local Chamber, try the national directory at www.chamberfind.com.

Join a Business Networking Site

Although many small businesses have found success marketing themselves to customers by starting a Facebook or Myspace page, there isn't always a great opportunity for business to business networking. When looking to network directly with other businesses, check out sites like www.biznik.com and www.schmoozii.com. Their social networking format is easy to use, and users are provided with a platform that includes information on consumer trends and business growth.

Hit the Streets

As the world moves forward technologically, it may seem like having a strong online presence is the only way to get the word out about your company. Fortunately for those who have difficulty navigating cyberspace; you can be just as effective with your networking by knocking on doors as you can be collecting website addresses. Pick up a stack of business cards, and begin introducing yourself to the owner and general manager of each of the small businesses within 1 to 3 miles of your organization. While business owners are typically put off by cold calling and drop-in salesmen, they will welcome you if you simply introduce yourself as their neighbor and spend time asking about their business. Through ongoing referrals and discussions about local concerns, you can build symbiotic business relationships that last a lifetime.

In the end, networking is about building relationships with those around you. Take a deep breath, find someone you've never met before, shake their hand and introduce yourself. Look! You're networking already!

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