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 let's face the fact networking is an important tool for small business success. Even if you have the best product or service, with the lowest price possible, if nobody knows about it then you won't sell anything.
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.
One of the best parts of Toastmasters is the people you meet. With every group meeting, you will add more people to your list of small business contacts.
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 have to "sell themselves" whenever they are in a networking event. By joining 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.
Although there is a membership fee to join Toastmasters, it is a good investment when you consider the potential enormous return in the end. Toastmasters chapters are available all throughout the United States and Canada.
But let's face the fact networking is an important tool for small business success. Even if you have the best product or service, with the lowest price possible, if nobody knows about it then you won't sell anything.
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.
One of the best parts of Toastmasters is the people you meet. With every group meeting, you will add more people to your list of small business contacts.
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 have to "sell themselves" whenever they are in a networking event. By joining 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.
Although there is a membership fee to join Toastmasters, it is a good investment when you consider the potential enormous return in the end. Toastmasters chapters are available all throughout the United States and Canada.
About the Author:
Drop by Barbra Sundquist's home business site to find the best tips on small business networking groups.
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