3 Tools for Business Networking
Whether you’ve started your own business, own your own company, or have been an executive for the past 30 years, you know that networking in business is one of the best ways to find success. Networking with your friends and colleagues can help you find jobs, get better employment, find resources and mentors, and help you along in your career in many other ways. In today’s digital world, making those connections is easier than it ever was. If you want to increase your contacts and build a network of business colleagues, here are a few places to start.
1) LinkedIn
LinkedIn is the best social network for building business contacts. It allows you to create a profile that you can share with anyone you are connected to or with the public. LinkedIn allows you to stay in contact with past coworkers and friends from college, and it allows you to connect with new colleagues by being introduced to your friend’s friends, and searching the site for people who have the same interests that you do-or are seeking the kind of skills you have to offer. If you aren’t already on LinkedIn, get on it today and start using it to make connections.
2) Meetup
Meetup is a great site for people who want to connect with others who share their same interests within a defined geographic area. All you have to do is go to Meetup and search for groups that share your same interests. In most cities, you’ll be able to find professional and businesses development groups that will help you network with other business owners, managers, and executives in the area. Some Meetup groups even offer monthly seminars.
3) Your Local Chamber of Commerce
LinkedIn and Meetup are great for connecting with people online and forming groups based on mutual interest, but your local chamber of commerce should also have some good networking tools for you. Most cities and towns have monthly small business networking meetings that are held on a weekly or monthly basis. These are open meetings where local business owners can come, meet with each other, and network to help each other out and build their resources. It might be intimidating if you’ve never been to one before, but you can also meet a lot of local business owners who care about the local economy and helping the community.
Beyond these tools, there are tons of other online and offline tools that you can use to network with other business-minded individuals like trade shows, job fairs, or simply handing out business cards to people who might be interested in your products, services, or skills. Whether you are just starting out or are a seasoned veteran, networking can help you plot the best path to success.
Gunter Jameson writes for DegreeCentral.com about online college degrees. His hobbies are snowboarding and reading.
