As you all know, it is extremely important to network and spread information about your business. For today, I have put together just a small list of some places and ways to network with others in your area of business or not in your area. It doesn’t necessarily matter who you network with because someone who doesn’t need a website created may know 5 people who do and refer them to you. Be on the look out for opportunities to always network and give out your business cards.
Just a couple quick bullet points for places to network (online and offline).
• Blogs- start leaving comments on blogs that you read or have just stumbled on
• Forums- join and participate in forums relating to your industry or niche. Check out sites like Young Go Getter and SitePoint.
• LinkedIn, MeetUp, and other similar sites are great opportunities to learn about events happening in your local area relating to your industry. Attend an event or conference to meet as many people as you can.
• Check out your local Chamber of Commerce and see what they have going on. Many have weekly or monthly events focusing on home based businesses or small businesses and are a great chance to meet like minded people in your area. This could even lead to some new clients for your business!
• Participate in an organization such as Toastmasters.
No matter how you network, it is important to get out there and do it. Meeting people and making contacts is how you survive in business…especially with a home based business or a local small business.
Where do you try to meet new people?
Great tips Chris. I especially like the Chamber of Commerce idea. I assume that most of your readers (as well as mine) are tech entrepreneurs. Chamber meetups are great places to network with the “older” crowd who are severely lacking in the latest technological necessities and whom are eager to benefit from your services.
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Glad you liked them! I do agree that the Chamber events are a great way to meet the older business community. It is a great way to put yourself out there as a knowledgeable young entrepreneur and also be able to possibly persuade them into doing business with you (in whatever facet that may be).
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