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Seminar on value of small business networking

Useful advice on effective business networking will be provided at a seminar to be conducted by Latrobe City on 2 November.

By Latrobe City Council - 30th October 2006 - Back to News

Mainly geared towards home-based and established small businesses, the seminar will help people make smart business decisions with tips on effective networking, the art of self-promotion and how to build profitable business contacts.

According to Latrobe City’s senior economic development officer, Leo Billington, all business operators should develop an effective network of people to help bring more customers.

"The more people who know about someone’s business, the greater are the chances that new customers will be attracted. This seminar will teach the power of effective networking utilising professional contacts, social and sporting contacts, various associations and conferences. Gaining exposure is extremely valuable.

"Now that home-based businesses represent about 65% of small businesses in Victoria, and growing at almost 4% a year, seminars such as this become an important marketing tool which provides a great opportunity for business operators to network," Mr Billington explained.

Felicity Pearce runs her business, an internet home-based gift pack concept business specialising in luxury gifts called The Soap and Candle at www.soapandcandle.com.au. Ms Pearce emphasises the need to network widely.

"Word of mouth endorsement is far more cost effective, so I would aim to network with those who are also in small business as well with community groups and acquaintances," Ms Pearce explained.

"When I started, there was a need to meet others because I am based at home, so to help guarantee that people knew about my business, networking had to be quite strategic. I know I am able to provide a service to those who in turn, could provide a service to me," Ms Pearce said.

"Networking is self-promotion and I believe it has to be ongoing. One person will talk to another, and to another and it rolls on from there. I think networking is informal but you must pick the right time to network. All home-based businesses would benefit from the seminar because they do not operate necessarily from retail or commercial areas.

"Being in the right place at the right time certainly helps and workshops, seminars and professional contacts give these opportunities. To network effectively, be yourself, do not boast and service the relationship long after the first meeting," Ms Pearce advised.

The networking seminar is developed and funded by the Minister for Consumer Affairs from the Victorian Property Fund. The 2-hour seminar will be held on Thursday 2 November in the function room, civic centre, Kay Street, Traralgon commencing at 5.30pm and costs $10 per person. Bookings are essential. Please contact Leo Billington on 0407 541 258.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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