by Cynthia Renee Frazier.

     There is hardly a week gone by that someone hasn’t asked me “do you play golf?”  That’s because all of the buzz in today’s business environment is about the abundance of big money deals taking place with the swing of an iron on the green.  Indeed Women Business Owners who dread the thought of an early morning tee time will be pleased to discover that the buzz may be overrated. Certainly, many WBOs have taken to golf and experienced business growth. However, it is a misnomer that investing in a bag of clubs and becoming one of a foursome on the golf course means an easy sale.  In fact, playing golf is like any other networking situation.  You must first build relationships, and then give before you can expect to see results.  What playing golf with a potential client or person of influence does is provides an opportunity to determine whether you want to exchange business. In addition, playing golf creates an environment whereby you get to demonstrate your worthiness as a business owner. Moreover, you can learn each other’s personality – how you deal with conflict, how you handle disappointment, what are your ethics, are you reliable, etc. 

     But what if you have no interest in learning to play golf? WBOs all over the world take advantage of B2B networking by joining organizations and membership groups to get to the next level.  Just like playing golf though, don’t expect to make a sale on your first introduction. Take your time and demonstrate your value. Get to know people and let them get to know you. Build a relationship, and have a clear message of what you can do for your clients and their needs. Establish your worthiness as an expert in your field, and by all means, be prepared to assist others. Be consistent and have fun. Over time, you will find yourself at the center of referrals, sales, and phenomenal business growth.

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by Cynthia Renee Frazier.

Successful business owners have learned the value of networking. Organization membership can provide a tremendous value to a growing company.  Yes, an organization membership can bring business to you. However, there is so much more to joining than that. Consider these three very important benefits:

1. Mentorship – Anyone will tell you that to get to the next level in business, you must consult with those who have knowledge and expertise in different areas.  Whether it is marketing or public relations or sales, having access to industry experts is priceless.  And there’s more.  Mentors can save you from the headache of making unnecessary mistakes.  Don’t get me wrong.  Mistakes and failures play a vital role in growing a business.  And believe me, there are plenty to go around.  Having a mentor can accelerate the inevitable learning curve.

2. Comrodorie – When was the last time you faced questions from your family and friends about what it is that you do?  Those business owners who have a brick and mortar are likely immune from this question since people can “see” the business.  But those of us who have a home based or internet based business often find it difficult to share ideas and concerns with those who work for someone else.  To those who “work for a living” running a small business comes across as mysterious.  Moreover, due to the lack of understanding, family, friends, and employees become nay sayers to your ambitions.  Therefore, if your business is to grow, you must stay connected to the beautiful and inspiring people who are actively pursuing their business goals as well as those who are quite successful at it.
3. Accountability – Many small businesses operate as a sole proprietor.  We love what we do.  That is why we often spend the majority of our time engrossed in our product or service.  We work hard to deliver quality to our clients. Likewise, we set high goals for our business. Yet there is no one to hold us accountable.  That’s where the organization and its membership come in.  We can team with success partners within the organization who can offer gentle persuasion and hold us accountable to our goals.  Having someone hold you accountable can mean the difference between growing and staying where you are.

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