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To even start, let alone grow a business, you need to get out of your workplace and meet the right people. With all the time constraints I am under, this post is very close to my heart! I am a working mother living outside of the city, who is trying to balance two active kids, a home, husband, four dogs and have the time to grow my business. Because of this, I end up missing out on many networking functions that could help me get new clients, education, and grow my business.
Do you have challenges that keep you from getting to the functions you need to attend? How do you stay “connected” and meet the people who will help you grow in your field when so much is keeping you from that valuable networking time? You have to be selective, be creative and get out!
A Few Ideas: (please comment to share yours!)
- Be “on” in your everyday life: Since you have to run around in your daily life anyway, combine it with an opportunity to network. Print and bring business cards too! Keep in tune with the conversations around you, you might just overhear someone say they are looking for what you can deliver. I was talking to my yoga instructor who found out I market small businesses in the area, and she connected me to a potential client!
- Use your expertise to network with an audience: Instead of going to events as an audience member and vying for the attention of the speaker, why not be the speaker and have the audience want to get to know you? You could start with the association in your field of business. Find the event planner and ask if they need a speaker with your speciality and offer your services. A non-paid speaking engagement can turn into valuable contacts in the future! (not to mention possible paid speaking engagements down the road).
- Throw an event: Don’t you hate wasting time going to events that, for whatever reason, weren’t what you thought they would be? (didn’t have the contacts that could help you grow, lessons were too below your level or parking was horrific) Organize your own event and be in control. It doesn’t have to be time consuming, but can be as easy as meeting with a targeted group of people for a drink to discuss similar projects they are working on, learn and partner with each other. Using social networking tools like LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook can help you find those people, or you can use some of the other resources below.
Resources to Start You on Your Way:
- Local Chamber of Commerce: Find your local Chamber of Commerce and find out where you can offer to speak or attend an event. Tons of great resources at the US Chamber of Commerce page as well.
- Association Involvement - ASAE: Sign up to speak, volunteer, search for your association, and use other resources to help you to grow your business skills and network.
- MeetUp: This is such a great site to find or lead a local group/event. Start an account now. Try a search on “Small business” and you can see all the groups in your chosen zip code. I joined a DC Blogger group where I meet with fellow bloggers who exchange experience and inspiration.
- Twitter : I can’t say enough about the value of Twitter. (check out my past blog). You need to sign up for Twitter for your business to not only market it, but also to network for its growth! Use Twitter to find fellow small business owners to exchange information, find out about local meetings, and meet for business. With Twitter search, you can narrow down folks in your field and area by using the hash tag symbol (#). I found someone who does graphics work that I admired, she was in my area, and we are discussing upcoming projects!
- Twellowhood and Yelp: These are sites where you need to get listed, find other local listed businesses, resources and people that list themselves. Follow them, network and eventually partner to grow your business.
Have any other networking ideas for business owners with limited time? Please share below. I wish you much success in growing your network and business!
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