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Today's topic can be fuzzy to describe. Business Networking is generally viewed as a marketing method where sales opportunities are created through small networks of collaborating business people who commit to regular meetings and activities that allow for the building of new relationships and business opportunities. it's a cost-effective method of building business because networking involves more personal commitment than company money. It's seen as beneficial to new companies and emerging small businesses as it can replace cold calling - a dreaded, expensive, hit or miss effort. Networking is also about interaction and faceto-face selling on a level where the entirety of the business brand is promoted rather than selling individual products or services.
Can a small business survive if it ignores business networking? Yes, If other elements of the business are solid, an organization could probably survive In a hermetically sealed state. The better question might be: Can a small business thrive if it completely ignores networking? Unlikely. Much depends on how closely associated the business is to the actual owner/ entrepreneur.
This column is made challenging because business networking has a fractured following: lovers (who see it as a chase), haters (who see it as a silly game or feel Inadequate by it) and fillers (who act as low-key networking participants). Business networking is not for everyone. Does the word "schmoozing" make you feel cheap and easy? If so, then reading an article on how to improve your networking skills Is like receiving instructions on how to feel guilt more deeply. If few enjoy doing It, then fewer still would enjoy reading how to do it better.
Forgotten Turkeys Always Resent The Pardoned Show-Bird
To paraphrase the fine young scamps of our great nation, I want the Business Essentials column to be known for keeping it real. The "Boring or Evil" title might seem harsh but after years of observing real people striving to make the most of walking a trade show or properly manning an exhibitor's booth or just using the right approach to politely Interrupt a group of strange industry professionals so that one could possibly join their conversation at an after-hours meeting, the title is actually more reasonable than you might imagine. For some, these are very difficult things...