Home > Sales & Marketing > Direct Selling

Font Adjust: A | A | A
Sales, Customers and Distribution Chains

Network to New Heights

Network to New Heights

To network these days, savvy business owners can join professional and civic organizations, volunteer for good causes or take full advantage of electronic tools such as e-mail, web conferencing, and webinars. Even home-based entrepreneurs can find various online platforms to network through without even stepping foot outside the home.

Groups Can Bolster Business

The easiest way to launch a networking campaign is to join an industry association, professional group, or civic organization. Besides providing a venue for socializing with other professionals and business owners, members typically come together to support and promote one another’s interests. The list here offers some excellent options:

  • Chambers of Commerce

    A federation of more than 3 million businesses nationwide, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce advocates for the free enterprise sector in government, judicial, and regulatory levels. Roughly 96 percent of its membership includes companies with fewer than 100 employees.

    Closer to home, city, county or regional Chambers of Commerce provide a wealth of networking alternatives from workshops and seminars, to ribbon-cuttings, "after-hours" gatherings and galas. The idea behind these events, of course, is to promote fellowship while doing business.

    The U.S. Chamber of Commerce website includes direct links to accredited chapters nationwide and around the world, as well as information about its many programs and initiatives.

  • Industry Associations

    Organizations related to particular industries can be a big help when it comes to making valuable connections within one’s own discipline. Besides offering educational, career and even financial support, many groups (e.g., The National Association of Tax Professionals, the American Bar Association) sponsor local and regional chapters; and most provide regular networking opportunities, including national and state conferences and events.

    A quick internet search will identify professional or trade groups specific to your discipline.

  • Professional In-Person Networking Groups

    Professional networking clubs consisting of one member per business genre, get together on a regular basis to exchange "leads" on potential clients and customers. The rationale, according to most experts, is to increase contact opportunities for members, as well as to strengthen connections in the business community at large.

    The most reputable groups meet weekly, usually for breakfast or lunch, and screen potential members for sound business practices and ethics. Membership generally, but not always, is by invitation only, though an Internet search can provide more information on specific requirements for local groups.

  • Online Networking

    Online professional networking is a great way to reach people all over the world. LinkedIn is one of the most popular online networking sites that allow users to connect, network, and search for jobs all in one convenient location. Facebook groups are also another great way to connect with other small business owners online to share best practices and ask questions.

  • Civic Organizations

    While promoting one’s business is not a valid reason to join a civic organization per se, most public relations experts agree it’s a fine way to establish a positive community profile and do good work at the same time.

    Groups such as Rotary International, the world’s first service club organization, and Lions Clubs International are dedicated to improving local, national, and world conditions. That said, the membership of these groups invariably consists of community leaders, with weekly meetings and regular events providing numerous opportunities for fellowship.

    Complete lists of local and regional civic organizations of all kinds are available through area Chambers of Commerce. An online search for individual, city, county state and national organizations also is an effective way to assess available opportunities.

  • Volunteer Agencies

    Volunteering for a favorite charity not only helps those in need but also exposes community-spirited home-business owners to potential clients. Agencies supporting abused women and children, homeless people, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, neglected animals, and a host of other causes are too numerous to include here.

    Visit the United Way’s website for links to local chapters of member organizations, as well as for listings of volunteer opportunities.

Electronic Networking: Click to Communicate

Increasingly sophisticated tech tools have opened the way to interact with others without leaving the comfort or safety of the home office. Used in adjunct with "real-life" social/professional events, functions such as mass e-mail campaigns, web conferencing, and webinars allow business owners to network with any colleague or potential client even when they live half-a-world away.

  • E-Mail Campaigns

    Mass e-mail campaigns enable business owners to reach the greatest number of potential clients or customers inexpensively, quickly and efficiently. Still, experts point out that effective use of this networking tool requires a degree of technical preparedness, as well as practical knowledge. Here are some tips to make the job easier:

    Purchase the right software. Programs that create and manage lists, generate reports, provide design elements and track responses start at a low monthly fee or discounted annual contract.

    Make an e-mail list. Target current customers, colleagues, trade show/conference attendees, former classmates and people new to the area. Check with potential recipients prior to adding their names and incorporate a subscribe/unsubscribe box in every mailing.

    Include a Privacy Policy. This assures recipients that their e-mail address and personal information will not be available to other vendors.

    Make e-mail content fun, interesting, and valuable. Introduce specials, rebates, sweepstakes, and other tempting offers to entice new customers and reward loyalty.

    Invite recipients to visit the company website. Also include complete contact information, such as a business address and telephone number, to underscore credibility.

    Track responses. Doing so allows business owners to monitor and assess the most effective e-mail strategies.

  • Web Conferencing

    A web conference is a video meeting held over the Internet. Attendees from any location make contact through web applications or downloaded software. The advantages to this brand of networking (as opposed to traditional video conferencing) are the capability of collaborative web browsing and the ease of application sharing and file transfers.

  • Webinars

    A form of web conferencing, webinars permit business owners to present workshops, classes or lectures via the Internet. These may take the form of one-way webcasts or can be interactive between the viewers and presenters.

    A valuable networking function for long-distance or large audiences, the webinar enables home-business owners to showcase services and products in a professional setting, at the same time placing them in a position of authority.

    For a webinar to be a truly effective networking event, PR experts stress that it is critical to plan ahead. Publicize the webcast (how to choose a professional decorating scheme) rather than the product (office furniture); follow a structured agenda and make the presentation worth the viewers’ time investment.

This website and the articles contained within are provided as a free service to you and for general informational purposes only. Information on this website is not intended to provide legal, accounting, tax or other advice. Please consult your attorney, accountant, or financial or other advisor with regard to your individual situation. We also make no warranty or representation regarding, and do not endorse, any linked websites or the information appearing there.
© 2024 Small Business Resources.