Small business networking. Does the very idea give you a heavy feeling in the pit of your stomach? If so, you're not alone. Many small business owners are put off by the idea of networking.
But the fact is, you need to network. Even if you have the best product with the lowest price, if you are not connected to a "network", people may not know about it. That's why small businesses still need networking.
The best way to get more comfortable with the idea of a networking group is to choose the group that works best for you. One group that will make you feel comfortable and at the same time, help you with your business, is Toastmasters.
Although you might associate Toastmakers strictly with public speaking, being a member of this group can give you added networking benefits. So it's like killing two birds with one stone.
At the same time, you will get practice in speaking well in many different settings, while learning how to recognize other people's body language and to use that knowledge to your advantage.
At the same time, you will get practice in speaking well in many different settings, while learning how to recognize other people's body language and to use that knowledge to your advantage. And in any business, especially sales, knowing how to read other people is very useful. You get all of this while mingling with other individuals who might need your services or products, or who might refer you to someone else who does.
Since communication is a major focus at Toastmasters meetings, you'll be expected to practice giving speeches. Why not start by giving a speech about your product or service? This way, you're honing your skills as a public speaker and marketing your business as well!
Some small business owners feels like they are "selling themselves" whenever they are in a networking event. But, if join Toastmasters, you won't feel like you're shoving your business down someone's throat. You are just someone who's meeting new people and practicing public speaking, while at the same time letting people know about your business or expertise.
Toastmasters chapters are available all over the United States and Canada. Although there's a small monthly cost to be a member, your investment will certainly pay off as you take advantage of this not-so-obvious small business networking group.
But the fact is, you need to network. Even if you have the best product with the lowest price, if you are not connected to a "network", people may not know about it. That's why small businesses still need networking.
The best way to get more comfortable with the idea of a networking group is to choose the group that works best for you. One group that will make you feel comfortable and at the same time, help you with your business, is Toastmasters.
Although you might associate Toastmakers strictly with public speaking, being a member of this group can give you added networking benefits. So it's like killing two birds with one stone.
At the same time, you will get practice in speaking well in many different settings, while learning how to recognize other people's body language and to use that knowledge to your advantage.
At the same time, you will get practice in speaking well in many different settings, while learning how to recognize other people's body language and to use that knowledge to your advantage. And in any business, especially sales, knowing how to read other people is very useful. You get all of this while mingling with other individuals who might need your services or products, or who might refer you to someone else who does.
Since communication is a major focus at Toastmasters meetings, you'll be expected to practice giving speeches. Why not start by giving a speech about your product or service? This way, you're honing your skills as a public speaker and marketing your business as well!
Some small business owners feels like they are "selling themselves" whenever they are in a networking event. But, if join Toastmasters, you won't feel like you're shoving your business down someone's throat. You are just someone who's meeting new people and practicing public speaking, while at the same time letting people know about your business or expertise.
Toastmasters chapters are available all over the United States and Canada. Although there's a small monthly cost to be a member, your investment will certainly pay off as you take advantage of this not-so-obvious small business networking group.
About the Author:
Drop by Barbra Sundquist's home business site to find the best tips on small business networking groups.
