Do you work from home?
Do you struggle with finding outlets where you can meet others who office out of their home?
Working from home isn't for everyone. It is perfect for many people with disabilities or those with transportation barriers.
The benefits of working at home are undeniable, but the downside is that it can be very isolating.
Feelings of isolation are common for homebased business owners. The same logistical concerns that make working from home an appealing arrangement also make it easy for solopreneurs and entrepreneurs become hermits.
Networking is a great way to make sure you get out and have face to face interaction with others. Sure, you can always spend time on the social networking sites but many need the personal connection that attending a networking event can offer.
Here are a few networking ideas you may want to consider:
Get involved in the community by volunteering with a local organization or a non-profit. You will meet others with the same passion and could even lead to business.
Join a professional organization, Chamber of Commerce, or business. Networking works best when you show up, get involved and focus on building relationships by getting to know the other members.
Put the word out that you are interested in public speaking opportunities at meetings, expos, conferences and other events. Doing so will set you apart from your competition and make you the expert in your industry.
Attending conferences and expos will give you the opportunity to meet people with similar interest outside of your zipcode. These events will not only allow you to meet new people but also expose you to the most up to date technology in your industry.
Seek out groups that cater to other home-based business owners. Most social media sites will have groups for the like minded. The Chamber of Commerce or Small Business Development Center may have special interest groups they can refer you to. You will also find Meetup ( http://www.meetup.com ) is another great source of groups meeting for coffee on a regular basis for conversation. If there isn't already a group, start your own. Set a meeting date, time, and location and publicize it through the Chamber and by posting flyers at the local coffee shop or copy center.
This is how I got my first start in networking. I created a business women's networking group in Meetup and had 30 women at the first event. 30 women I did not know. The group grew to over 300 members in the first year.
It proves the point Ray Kinsella made when he said in Field of Dreams, "If you build it, they will come."
Give it a try and stop being a Homebased Business Hermit!
Linda Ballesteros is a strategic networker who learned the ins and outs of networking after leaving a 30+ year career in banking. To better understand networking, she founded a business women's networking organization which grew to 300+ members the first year. She now has a book "Your Pot of Gold is a Handshake Away" to share the next step to networking... Referral Marketing.
Find out more about Linda by visiting her website: http://www.lindaballesteros.com/
Follow her on Twitter:
@BallesterosLO
Friend her on Facebook
Linda Jeffcoat Ballesteros
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