How to Save Money With Business Networking

Advertising and marketing costs can really add up and put a strain on your business. While you still need the exposure to effectively run and grow your business, there are other, more cost-effective ways to promote you and your business. Networking is the new buzzword in the business community. From small, home-based businesses to large international corporations, business networking is an integral part of the marketing plan.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Join your local Chamber of Commerce. The cost of membership typically includes all of your employees. Members receive reduced costs at networking events, seminars and other activities planned by the chamber. Advertising in chamber publications is free or a minimal costs.
2. Volunteer with local nonprofit organizations. The business networking opportunities are a bonus you get while doing good works. With a donation to the group you can often get free advertising in brochures and at events. Offer your home for meetings and small group activities.
3. Allow employees to attend networking events. Paying their salary and lunch for these events can pay off big time in the referrals and sales they can generate. Ask for reports of their progress after each event.
4. Visit various support groups from home-based businesses to find one that could be a good referral source for your own home business. Be prepared to give referrals too. You will generate more goodwill and referrals of your own if you are known as a giver as well as a taker.
5. Hand out gifts to friends and networking colleagues that are printed with your logo and business information. The visibility of your name long after your meeting, your name will be in front of your potential customers and everyone who sees the calendar, pen or hat you gave away.