Tag Archives: networking

Why I LOVE it When People Share Their Opinions

It seems to have become somewhat politically incorrect or unpopular for people to share their opinions about popular culture, politics, personal interests, etc. We all try to make sure that we are not being offensive or setting people off. But, as a business person, I actually LOVE it when people share their personal opinions and ideas about things—it gives me insight into who they really are and helps me figure out if my services are a good fit, as well as get some information as to how I can really interact with them. I guess you could say that I … Continue reading →

Combining Church and Business

We’ve talked about ways that volunteering and community service can be a boost for business, but I haven’t really thought or written about how some people combine church and business. A couple weeks ago, I was talking with a real estate agent who confessed that he gets some of his best referrals from his church congregation. I couldn’t help but wonder about what is the best and “nicest” way to combine one’s home business interests and church… I suppose in many ways, church might seem like a perfect networking place (although some of us go to church to get way … Continue reading →

Does it Really Hurt You To Share Leads and Referrals?

I used to be fairly stingy when it came to sharing leads and opportunities. I had that typical “competitive” thinking that caused me to think that if I shared leads with others, it would somehow hurt my chances of getting more work. Over the years, however, I have learned that there is far more “work” out there than I could ever do even if I wanted to and that by sharing leads and referrals, I have opened up more opportunities for myself as well as for others. The truth is—there HAVE been times when I have been lost bids or … Continue reading →

Leveraging Relationships

One of the results of good networking for your home business is that you will establish and build relationships with all sorts of people. A positive off-shoot of these relationships will be the opportunity to leverage these relationships for further business growth. But, what exactly does it mean to “leverage relationships”? Let us say that you have a good friend who owns a small printing business. You take your brochures, marketing materials and other printing needs to this person and have built up a solid working relationship over the years. Now, let us imagine that you are at a holiday … Continue reading →

Finding Support for Nontraditional Businesses

To read the business trade magazines or business books, it can seem like there are only a few models for successful businesses. A small home business, however, might be rather unorthodox and some of us build businesses that are also nontraditional. It can be tough to find other businesses like ours, or to even find the support and advice we might need along the way… The other morning, as I was on my way to take care of some errands, I passed by an early morning chamber of commerce breakfast meeting. The parking lot was full and there were plenty … Continue reading →

Who Can Open Doors for You?

We occasionally talk about mentors and networking here in the Home Business blog, but I’d like to take things a step further. While you never know who you might be meeting or talking too and it is great to continue to cast your net far and wide as you meet new people, sometimes you really need to find the “right” people—those people who can open doors for you and help you get where you really need to go right now… The more comfortable you get in your field or industry, the better you will be able to identify those people … Continue reading →

Can’t Find a Group or Organization That Fits? Start One…

I often write about different approaches to take with networking in order to benefit your career and your home business and one of the best ways is through professional and service organizations. Joining a group is a fantastic way to meet other people and promote your home business. But, what if you cannot find a group or organization that interests you or suits your goals and temperament? How about starting one yourself? Just because other networking organizations or leads groups exist in your area—doesn’t mean there isn’t room for one more. You might find that you can really tailor and … Continue reading →

It Costs Less to Keep Existing Customers

I often write about networking and expanding one’s business market, but I also think it is important to stress that it actually costs LESS in terms of business expenses to keep existing customers than it does to find, cultivate and create new ones. This is the reason we need to make sure that we work on retention as well as networking for new prospects. A huge chunk of my work background is in nonprofit management and fund development. I learned over my many years of helping nonprofit organizations raise and find money that it is much more difficult to create … Continue reading →

Networking Tip: Don’t Hang “Outside” The Group

Going to a networking activity, meeting or party isn’t enough—you have to actually learn how to behave and “work” the room in order to make the most of the opportunity. I am not talking about the schmoozy, speedy roaming from cluster to cluster that many people think of when they hear the term “working” the room—but you do have to actually move inside the circle in order to make the most of the gathering. Often, people who are uncomfortable or new to networking hang around by the food or beverages, or wander the edges of the room (looking at the … Continue reading →

Do You Talk Too Much?

I have written quite a bit about business communication and how to make the most of sales pitches and networking opportunities—but one thing I haven’t really written about is the tendency some of us have to talk TOO much when we are interacting with prospects and customers. If shyness is a problem for some small business owners, than talking too much and be too dominant in interactions is a problem for others. Do you say a dozen things when you really only need to say one? Do you feel uncomfortable with silence and feel like you need to keep talking … Continue reading →