Networking: The Best Way to Market Your Business

I've come to find that one of the most effective ways to market your business is through effective networking. I say "effective" because many people network, but they feel that networking is a race to see who can collect the most business cards. Effective networking is about building quality relationships with quality people. For me, I would like to get to know the person that I'm referring business to. I don't want to refer someone to a business that does not do what they say that they are going to do. I recall joining a networking group in which a member agreed to meet with me to discuss his business. He never showed up to our meeting and didn't even bother to call me to tell me that he couldn't make it. Now do you think I would recommend people to him? Of course not. At networking events, spend more than ten minutes talking with people. Again, it's the quality of your interaction that counts. Don't do all the talking either. When you get a business card from someone, write a note on the back about your encounter with that person. What if you don't like to go to networking events? Well, there are many forums and groups online where you can post and share information with others. When you post and share information, you will build credibility and be known as an expert in your field. My favorite online business networking forum is Ryze.com. Networking is an ongoing project. Keep in contact with everyone you meet through an email mailing list or newsletter. Also, send thank you cards for their referrals and continued support. Happy Networking!

Affirmations for the Entrepreneur

Do you have what it takes to live your dreams? To achieve your goals in life takes patience, persistence, and perserverance. Many people live by the instant gratification system. If they don't see results instantly, their off onto the next best thing. Are you feeling like you're not getting anywhere with your business? Here are some affirmations you may like to try to feel uplifted and motivated to keep going: I am on the road to success I am a successful business person I am prosperous in business I make wise decisions about my business I am an expert at what I do I help others with my business I am consistent in my efforts to gain more business

Business Joint Ventures On The Net!

The term business joint ventures refer to two independent companies or more who agree to establish a new company. These companies legally commit themselves to contribute equity for the new company, as well as share their technology and skills. In return, they share both profits or losses and control over this organization. A joint venture can be executed for a limited period or a continuos period. Business joint ventures have become the latest and most viable business model for many online companies because of the following reasons: Globalization has opened a world of possibilities, where different languages and cultures are no longer barriers. Today international travel has become the norm. The other reason is the internet. The net has leveled the playing field. It has also made the use of technology have the winning business edge. These companies see business joint ventures as the next logical direction their organizations must take, if they are to remain competitive and profitable. Do you own a profitable online business? Are you wondering what’s next? Consider then, the many benefits a business joint venture can provide you. First, with a business joint venture, you’ll gain access to other markets. This will then open additional or bigger streams of profits for you. Second - Think of the synergies you create in the business joint venture. All of the partners benefit from the exchanges of information, such as access to modern managerial practices and the brain power of your manpower. However, you must be diligent in picking the right partners. It has to be a win-win situation for all of you. Choose partners who complement your strengths. Partners who’ll share resources you do not have and can benefit from. Third – Diversification, which means that by agreeing to a business joint venture, you’ll be spreading the costs and risks thereby minimizing negative impacts. Fourth – By entering a business joint venture, you’ll get better access to financial resources. Fifth - By establishing a business joint venture, the partners stave off competition from other companies, and strengthen their position in the industry. How are business joint ventures created? Typically, forging of joint ventures agreements are determined by the following factors. The nature and the size of the planned enterprise. The length of commitment – will it be for a specific period? Or have the life of a corporation? Another factor, concerns the identities of the participants and regions in which their business operates. Lastly, the commercial and financial goals of all the participants and the method in which this shall settled. Are there any negatives in establishing a business joint venture? As long as all the terms and conditions of the venture are carefully set out, there is no reason for it to fail. A business joint venture provides you all the benefits of joining forces with other companies. Yet, you retain full control over your company. The best of both worlds can be found in a business joint venture. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Benjamin Scott operates a successful internet business working from his home personal computer. Grab a FREE copy of his e-marketing course at: http://www.eazyhomebusiness.com/ Copyright © 2005 Benjamin Scott

Business Lessons Learned From Children

Today as I walked to Kinko's to make copies of real estate contracts, I ran into some kids on the side of the road selling water. They called to me as I walked by and I asked them what they were selling. "We were selling lemonade, but someone wasted our powder. Now we're just selling water." The "someone" was sitting about five feet away sitting down on the sidewalk, his head bent down with a sad look on his face. There was a team of five of them selling the ice cold water. I asked them how much for a cup and they told me 15 cents. I gave them 15 cents and as I stood there drinking my water, (Thank God for that because it was a warm day!) I chatted with the kids about their business. They told me of another girl in their group who tried to sell 2 month old cookies, so they had to kick her out of the business. They nodded in agreement when I told them that it was a wise decision. If people ate stale cookies, they would not want to buy from them again. They then told me that someone tore down their signs - they figured it must be one of the kids that was "fired". But that didn't stop them from their goal. The kids were very proud of their $8 profit today. $5 of it was given by a lady who did not want a cup of water, but just them the money out of the kindness of her heart. The kids would not accept the $5 for nothing, so they gave her a gift because they found out that it was her birthday. I reached into my pocket and told the kids because the water was good I was going to give them a tip. They were excited with the 60 cents. Ah, to be a kid again! Every win is a win, no matter how small or big.