Even if you're the sole owner operator of your small business, there's no need for you to go it alone. Joining business organizations or networking groups lets you interact with like-minded people who can be invaluable sources of information and support - and increase your business success.
Additional Benefits Of Business Organizations
Many business organizations also offer other benefits to members, such as discounts on particular services or products, or special promotional opportunities.
For example, many networking groups offer members the chance to present their business to the group, or get specific business advice. Business organizations with Web sites often allow members to list their businesses in their online directories for free, or advertise without cost on their sites.
Besides the support and camaraderie, belonging to business organizations can increase your business' credibility. Many potential clients or customers view membership in relevant business groups as a sign that you're an established business and accepted by your industry.
Industry-Specific Or General Business Organizations?
Being a member of an industry-specific business organization is a great way to contribute to the growth of your industry and keep up with advances in your field, as well as an excellent opportunity to learn from others who may have more experience or new ideas.
General business organizations provide opportunities to interact with people in other fields, which can be an eye-opening experience. Many general business organizations exist for a particular purpose, such as to provide networking for businesses in a specific geographic area.
My advice is to belong to at least one of each.
Don't Forget About Online Business Groups
The Internet isn't just for finding information. Business-related newsgroups, forums, and mailing lists can also be excellent sources of support, networking opportunities, and information exchange.
You already know about my Small Business: Canada Forum, but whatever business you're in, chances are good someone's already started an online group for discussing it. For instance, if you search Yahoo groups for "Canadian Business", you'll find groups ranging from Canscrapbiz, for retailers and teachers in the Canadian Scrapbooking business, through canaden, for Canadian dentists. There are also several excellent general business groups in the list, including my favourite, CEW (Canadian Entrepreneurial Women).
But Can I Afford To Join A Business Organization?
Membership in many online business groups is free, while many national business organizations, such as the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, offer sliding scale fees, based on the size of your business.
Local business organizations are often less expensive to join. For instance, currently it costs only $35 a year to belong to my local Home-Based Business Association. Now there's a bargain!
With all the benefits and opportunities that business groups offer, the true question is how you can afford not to join at least one.
Business Organizations Related Reading
Joining Industry Specific Organizations
The 10 Commandments of Networking
Homework Assignment: Business Organizations
Join at least one business organization or networking group this week, either off-line or online.
If you're looking for national or online business organizations, you can find some of them in my Support and Resources for Women Entrepreneurs links collections.
If you're looking for local business groups, try contacting your local Chamber of Commerce, or asking business people you know which business organizations they belong to or recommend.
Share
I've mentioned some of the business-related groups I belong to in this article. Why not join us in the Small Business Canada Forum and tell us what business-related groups you recommend?
Continue on to Business Success Lesson 8
