There's Power in Networking!
An Ethiopian proverb states - "When spider webs unite, they can tie up a lion." When one considers that small businesses accounted for 53 percent of the private workforce and 50 percent of the nation's entire private gross domestic product, it becomes clear that small business plays a large role in our nation's economy. Small business owners gain an enormous power when they join ranks. It is for this reason that networking plays an integral role in the success of each small business.
As 2002 advances, it is imperative that we embraces the power of networking. Whether you are a business owner or work for another firm, stepping outside our comfort zone brings promise. Networking is one of the leading ways businesses learn about upcoming trade shows, business expos, conferences and cultural events where vendors can reach specific audiences. For example, at www.chistell.com we learned about heavily trafficked events around the country through networking channels we are active in. We attended a few of those events as a vendor last year and moved more books at each of these events in one to two days than we moved in a month at our website. Of course, we are planning to network and attend more of these events in 2002! You don't have to be a marketing guru or a world class speaker to network effectively. In fact, two of the most important keys to networking are: respect for self and respect for others. I highly recommend that you network strongest in areas closely tied in with the products that you market and sell. Not only will you discover what does and does not work in your field, you will also hear about events that pull in your target audience in large numbers.
Whether your business operates on or offline or both, your business' success must involve effective networking. At times networking can appear to be no more than chit chatting. Networking can be considered - communicating with purpose. It is not a tool that allows one business owner to take advantage of another. It is also more than passing out business cards. To be effective, networking requires give and take. A business owner alerts you to an upcoming event; you, in turn, direct the business owner to a graphic artist who produces unforgettable web-site banners and clip art. Besides your local business associations (which can be found in the yellow pages of the telephone book) and the small business association, following are online networking resources you could benefit from checking into: Small Business Association (www.sba.org) or Fortune Small Business (www.fsb.com). Strive to network (both on and offline) at least once a day. At the end of 2001 the results will astound you.
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