3 Small Business Group Benefits that Will Change Your Life

Many small business owners are stretched so thin that they barely have enough time to say “Good morning,” to the kids, before they shove off for school. With such a hectic schedule, how can anyone expect a panicked small business owner to find time to join a like-minded group of small business owners in order to boost networking?

While it’s a continuous struggle to find enough time to fit in that ONE more item, even if it’s only one, small business networking should be it. The benefits far outweigh the time constraints.

What’s in it for me?

Small business groups provide small business owners with several advantages. The first advantage takes a page from the time-tested axiom of “power in numbers.”

Networking

Small business groups provide you with an excellent way to network among your professional peers. For example, if you operate a restaurant chain and join a local restaurant business group, you can learn about the latest developments in the industry from other restaurateurs. You receive recipes, food storage, and equipment tips that you would not find anywhere else. For your small business, you may want to share how toll free vanity numbers have increased your sales. Most small business trade associations form at the state level, although larger cities host local small business groups.

Cost

Most small business groups charge a nominal annual fee to join the group, although the group may waive the small membership fee if you host one or meetings per year at your small business. Some groups are even free to join! Much like time, the benefits you receive when you join a small business group far outweigh any costs. Moreover, you may be able to write the membership fee off as a tax deduction.

Relevancy

So where does one start when looking for the right small business group? Small business owners and entrepreneurs who live in smaller towns typically have a limited number of options form joining a small business group. While joining a small business group and participating and attending physical meetings clearly has its benefits, your physical presence isn’t always necessary. Many small business groups collaborate via webinars or WebEx’s, and even via LinkedIn. You can join one or more groups that cater to a specific niche in your industry or the industry as a whole.

Finding the Right Small Business Group

Having trouble finding the right small business group? Why not start your own? Start by creating a virtual space via LinkedIn, Facebook, or Google+ and grow from there. Share topics on common interests, issues, or even industry trends in order to generate an audience. Once you’ve got a following, start collaborating and sharing together. Set up physical meeting times and locations or virtual meeting times to encourage collaboration!

Toll Free Success

Want something great to share with your new small business group? Show off your toll free vanity number! Many of your customers prefer to speak with you in person or on the phone, instead of sending and receiving text messages and emails, especially if they have very specific questions or concerns that are easier to explain to a live representative. Toll free vanity numbers allow you to customize your small business phone number to create a branding image for your small business.

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