If you are a small business owner, chances are the word "networking" gives you weird sense of uneasiness. You're not the only one. Business networking strikes fear in the hearts of many people, and many small business entrepreneurs avoid doing it.
So why network? Let's face it, it doesn't matter if you have the world's best widget at the lowest possible price. If nobody knows about it, your business won't be successful. That's why networking is so important.
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.
You might think that Toastmasters is just for public speaking. Well, the fact is that although public speaking is the main focus of Toastmasters, it's also a darn good place to network. There are some surprisingly effective networking benefits when you join Toastmasters. Let me elaborate.
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.
Another advantage of Toastmasters is that their training provides a variety of communication tools that promote spontaneity in both thoughts and actions. It is also designed to provide its members with performance improvements guaranteed to hone leadership skills, build confidence and improve self-image. All of this happens while you are interacting with other people who may need your product or service, or know 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.
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.
So why network? Let's face it, it doesn't matter if you have the world's best widget at the lowest possible price. If nobody knows about it, your business won't be successful. That's why networking is so important.
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.
You might think that Toastmasters is just for public speaking. Well, the fact is that although public speaking is the main focus of Toastmasters, it's also a darn good place to network. There are some surprisingly effective networking benefits when you join Toastmasters. Let me elaborate.
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.
Another advantage of Toastmasters is that their training provides a variety of communication tools that promote spontaneity in both thoughts and actions. It is also designed to provide its members with performance improvements guaranteed to hone leadership skills, build confidence and improve self-image. All of this happens while you are interacting with other people who may need your product or service, or know 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.
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:
Learn more about small business networking groups. Stop by Barbra Sundquist's home business website.
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