As the founder of the Small Business Community Network Group I know the benefits of social networking. Connecting to other small business owners and people you may be able to form strategic alliances with is beneficial in many different ways. One of the first rules of networking is notto give out all your business cards at the event you are attending. Chose at least 3 people you feel you might want to get to know better and introduce yourself to them, and find out as much as possible about them, in order to see how you can help them.
The same rule applies to social networking on the internet, whether it is LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Ecademy, to know a few. I see so many people think the idea is to connect with as many people as possible, but what is the point? How on earth can you connect with 500+ people on a regular basis and stay connected in order to find out how you can help them, and they then get to find out about you and referrals start coming. Keep you contacts manageable, and yes inevitably your contacs will grow with time but by taking it slowly you are able to do what you are supposed to do and do it properly.
By attending meetings offered by the SBCN you can meet other small business owners, you can listen to one of the excellent presenters each month, and you can find out what opportunities there are out there by talking to members and guests at the meetings. If you are interested in becoming a member of the SBCN you are automatically added to the Members Business Directory and that enables Google, members of the public and possible future clients to connect with you after find you on the Directory.
Business/Social networking all amounts to the same thing building relationships and helping each other, ultimately leading to more business opportunities. Please feel free to contact me, Linda Ockwell-Jenner by phone +1 519 893 1598 or email Linda@motivationalsteps.com if you would like to find more out about the SBCN.
- Log in to post comments