Free Networking GroupThe small biz home biz united Networking group is a unique networking group that is free and available to all those who own a small or home business or thinking about starting one. Our philosophy is all about helping to support each other anyway we can through the sharing of ideas. We have an informal easy-going atmosphere to our group which is being enjoyed by over 180+ members. We have a great core of members which show up most of the time. This is coupled with new members which alternate at every meeting, with about 20-30 members attending per meeting. This gives us a very unique meeting with a different mix of people every meeting!
If you are looking for a networking experience that is not pressure driven and is made up of like-minded small and home business owners all who share the same philosophy, please join us!
If you are looking for a networking experience that is not pressure driven and is made up of like-minded small and home business owners all who share the same philosophy, please join us!
Contact Us!
905-839-9497
admin@smallbizhomebizunited.com
Please bring a non-perishable food item!
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Small Biz Home Biz United MeetUp Group
Small Biz Home Biz United MeetUp Group
When you join and register with our Meetup group you will get an automated email reminder of the next meeting!
Wendy Wood has eliquently put together 10 networking tips which reflect our philosophy about what networking really means.
Top 10 Networking Tips
Article By: Wendy Woods1. Build relationships, not the record for handing out the most business cards
Networking is about getting to know someone and building relationships. It's the conversation that helps you understand the other person, their interests, and challenges. The business card only has value once you've developed rapport, established common interests or determined how you can help each other.
2. Focus on the other person
Treat the person you are talking to like they are the most important person in the room. Smart networkers know that networking is about showing an interest in others not others showing an interest in you.
3. Be the host
When hosting a party, we take care of our guests. We take their coats, get them a drink, introduce them to other guests and do whatever we can to make them feel comfortable. Try being the host at any event that you attend. You'll automatically put yourself in a position to meet more people and make others feel comfortable.
4. Give
Giving is the basic premise of networking because, as they say, "What goes around comes around" and people will usually want to help you in return. Help others in whatever way you can with a valuable contact, a key networking event, or a worthwhile association. Often information we take for granted can be valuable to someone else.
5. Make an effort to get out and network
A good rule of thumb is to get out to about 4 events per month which is only 1 per week. This will help you keep your commitment to networking. Not sure where to go? Start with your local chamber of commerce.
6. Look, listen and learn
Take the time to learn from others that you consider good networkers. Notice what makes them good and see if you can easily adopt a few techniques.
7. Approach only 1 person or three or more at an event
You are more likely to get a positive response when you approach 1 individual or a group of 3 or more people. The dynamic of two makes it very difficult to break into a conversation and you could be waiting for some time.
8. Check in regularly with your network
Keep in touch with your network to see what they are up to and how you can help them. You never want to turn to your network when you really need them especially when you haven't bothered staying in touch. Call and say hello, send an interesting article, or invite them to a networking event.
9. Introductions make the network go round
Freely introduce individuals within your network who might benefit from meeting each other. A good network is an active one.
10. Don't assume or judge
You never know who you are talking to, what they do or who they know. Never assume and give everyone a chance and treat them equally.
Networking is about getting to know someone and building relationships. It's the conversation that helps you understand the other person, their interests, and challenges. The business card only has value once you've developed rapport, established common interests or determined how you can help each other.
2. Focus on the other person
Treat the person you are talking to like they are the most important person in the room. Smart networkers know that networking is about showing an interest in others not others showing an interest in you.
3. Be the host
When hosting a party, we take care of our guests. We take their coats, get them a drink, introduce them to other guests and do whatever we can to make them feel comfortable. Try being the host at any event that you attend. You'll automatically put yourself in a position to meet more people and make others feel comfortable.
4. Give
Giving is the basic premise of networking because, as they say, "What goes around comes around" and people will usually want to help you in return. Help others in whatever way you can with a valuable contact, a key networking event, or a worthwhile association. Often information we take for granted can be valuable to someone else.
5. Make an effort to get out and network
A good rule of thumb is to get out to about 4 events per month which is only 1 per week. This will help you keep your commitment to networking. Not sure where to go? Start with your local chamber of commerce.
6. Look, listen and learn
Take the time to learn from others that you consider good networkers. Notice what makes them good and see if you can easily adopt a few techniques.
7. Approach only 1 person or three or more at an event
You are more likely to get a positive response when you approach 1 individual or a group of 3 or more people. The dynamic of two makes it very difficult to break into a conversation and you could be waiting for some time.
8. Check in regularly with your network
Keep in touch with your network to see what they are up to and how you can help them. You never want to turn to your network when you really need them especially when you haven't bothered staying in touch. Call and say hello, send an interesting article, or invite them to a networking event.
9. Introductions make the network go round
Freely introduce individuals within your network who might benefit from meeting each other. A good network is an active one.
10. Don't assume or judge
You never know who you are talking to, what they do or who they know. Never assume and give everyone a chance and treat them equally.
Wendy Woods is Principal of Watershed Training Solutions, a company that specializes in helping individuals and teams improve their effectiveness by strengthening interpersonal skills. You can contact her at wwoods@watershedtraining.ca