Networking – Broaden Your Horizons

When getting ready to start a new business you are your company’s best asset. It is important to network, network, network. Networking provides the opportunity do many things for your new business. First it provides a start for your market research. Getting involved lets you see and hear what is going on in the community. It lets you get feedback on your business idea before you even start and perhaps alter your plan based on the economy, culture or current businesses available.

Next, networking gives you a perspective that you may not be able to get any other way. By networking you are receiving instant feedback not just about your product but the market that you are looking to enter. You may have the ability to react quickly to changes that others may not be aware of for months or even years.
Last networking is an excellent sales tool. You get to talk your company up to anyone who will listen. No one will ever sell your company better than you. You will also be able to gauge reactions in people’s faces versus just words. Sometimes being able to see how people react is much better than just hearing what you want to hear.

Networking can occur in any number of places. A good start is always local civic organizations, so become a joiner. Join the local Chamber of Commerce, Civitans, Small Business Groups or whatever is available in your community. Go to the meetings and events and talk to people. These are the same people who have done what you want to do. They will be able to provide you with an ear to the ground on what is going on and provide feedback about what you are doing. They will also become a great resource on who provides the best services for small businesses. Often once you become involved with one of the above groups, you will find people who can steer you to even more specific groups such as clubs or organizations that may be pertinent to your product.

Social organizations also provide a great avenue for networking. Groups such as the Elks or Shriners provide access to large groups of people who are involved in the community. If one of them is an organization that you may be interested in it could be a great avenue to pursue. Activities such as golfing, as cliché as it might sound, will provide another opportunity to meet people in business. Join a weekly golf league, bowling league, or book club and talk, talk, talk.

If your business lends itself to a specific industry, join any trade associations that may be affiliated with your business. Attend trade show and conferences to keep abreast of market changes and advancements as well as talk to others who may be in the same position as you and able to provide valuable insight.

Networking can also be very informal. When you are talking with friends be sure to share what is new and exciting about your business. When you are getting your hair cut or talking to a nurse at a doctor’s visit, or when you are waiting in line at the grocery store, talk. You have nothing to lose by talking up your business. You never know who might tell who about what you do or have and that person down the line may become your best client.

The people in these groups have just become part of your grassroots marketing. If you are excited about what you are doing and convey it, the people you are networking with will share your excitement and begin telling others. You are the epicenter for your business and everything ripples out from you. While every person you meet may not be a potential client, remember they may know someone who is.