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Networking for Small Business
Meet n' Greet The most common way businesses are able to build relationships with other business people is through "meet n' greet" events.These events usually include nice food, an open bar, and numerous business people trying to unload a stack of business cards.While these events are a great place to get a snack and hand out lots of cards, it is difficult to establish a relationship simply by attending.The business relationship will need further nurturing.Some people say these events are a waste of time, while others find them very effective and attend as many as possible. Join an Association Many small businesses find it useful to join a local business association.Generally, these associations are unique to a specific type of business or service.The groups meet together periodically to plan events, deal with industry problems, or to use their strength in numbers to push legislation.Because these events happen more often, and with the same people at each meeting, it is a good opportunity for small businesses to establish contacts with other businesses in their geographic area. Go to Lunch Often times meeting someone for five minutes is not enough to establish a relationship, but rather simply offers an opportunity to exchange business cards.However, the relationship does not need to die there.In order to pursue the business relationship many times a lunch or round of golf will help.These are helpful because it gives both people the opportunity to find out more about the other without distractions.The time needed to play a round of golf or eat lunch will afford the parties the opportunity to see how their businesses could complement each other.It may also give the participants an opportunity to see that a business relationship would not be beneficial to them. Social Networking Many businesses have started connecting through the internet.Social networks such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and MySpace have offered businesses the opportunity to communicate without having to set up an elaborate event.While an entire negotiation will not occur over a social networking site, it is a great way to make initial contacts without losing a lot of precious time. Many businesses have also started blogs that talk about the industry with which they are affiliated.These blogs attract similar businesses which could potentially be great partners.While a blog takes time to establish, it will help with more than just networking because it will offer customers access to the company from the comforts of their own home. Small business networking is an essential part of creating a strong small business.There are many methods for creating business relationships.Some include meet n' greets, joining a business association, going out to lunch or playing a round of golf, and using social networks online.While one of these methods may not be entirely enough to create a full-fledged business relationship, a combination of these techniques will help in creating a beneficial business relationship.
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