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Health & Fitness

NETWORKING ESSENTIAL FOR SMALL BUSINESS

NETWORKING ESSENTIAL FOR SMALL BUSINESS By Patrick Ingegno   Networking and networking groups have become essential for the development and growth of small businesses.  Not only do these groups allow small business owner’s to become acquainted with other owners who are anxious to find new customers for their goods and services but these groups allow the business owner a platform on which he may pitch his business idea to the community.  Large or small, business networking groups have replaced traditional advertising sources in the budget of some small businesses.  For nominal membership dues, some as low as the price of buying your own lunch at a diner, the small business owner becomes part of something larger than himself;  he sets in motion a series of events that thrusts his business into a forum of like minded people dedicated to finding success for their business idea.  These networking groups also allow for interaction and barter amongst business owners wherein necessary services such as banking, printing and other financial services may be offered at discounted rates to other members.  This allows for a competitive edge not often available to the small business owner. Chambers of Commerce offer small business owner’s instant access to a group of local business people and membership is a launching point for the owner looking to increase their visibility in the community.  Unfortunately, the membership of most Chambers is so wide and diverse that it may be impossible for the small business owner to find a place for himself.  Dues are generally reasonable and membership will increase visibility and lend an air of stability to the new business. I recommend smaller groups, such as, the SOUTH SHORE BUSINESS ROUNDTABLE.  This group meets once a month at a diner on Bedford Ave in Bellmore.  There are no dues associated with membership and for the price of your own breakfast you are presented with an opportunity to rub-elbows with like minded small business owners.  Director Angelo Buonomo has done a great job putting this impromptu forum together and he can be contacted at abuonomocpa@aol.com about membership. Organizations like Le Tip International offer a larger audience but membership has its duties and dues. Le Tip requires weekly attendance at meetings, inter-member visitations, some financial reporting.  This type of commitment may be more than most small business owners are willing to commit to do. So if you are a small business owner on a mission to grow your brand think networking; think local and start small. Patrick Ingegno can be reached at inner-circle@optimum.net or www.innercircledebtsolutions.com    

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