Why You Need To Spend Time Networking Your Biz Online

As a home business owner I spend a lot of time online networking as it’s an important part of my Direct Sales Business.

What is Business Networking? According to wikipedia, “Business networking is a marketing method by which business opportunities are created through networks of like-minded business people.” If you can’t go out to local business events, networking online can be a viable alternative.

Why should you spend time networking your business online? By networking online, you can meet new home business professionals and learn from them. Those who have been running a successful business can share with you…what works and doesn’t work. These discussions are usually based around advertising, marketing and recruiting ideas. In return, you can share with others what has worked for you. Networking is a 2-way street, it’s better to give…than to receive.

In addition to learning more about business, you can make new contacts which can lead to new recruits, party bookings and new customers. If you are looking to expand into the online market, you will need to learn how to network and advertise online.

What groups should you join? I recommend going to a major search engine and doing a keyword search for the following: business networking groups and/or work at home discussion boards. A list will come up with the most popular online sites. You will want to join a few groups and fill out your online profile. Once you have that completed, post an introduction to the group and join in on some of the business discussions.

When you network online, you need to be consistent with your efforts. You will want to participate in the groups, 2-3 times a week. By being consistent, you are being visible…which means you are allowing others to get to know you and your business.

When business networking is done properly, you will increase your business knowledge and make new business contacts. These contacts will lead to new sales and new team members. Success doesn’t happen over night, but you will see positive results if you keep at it.

Shelly Hill has been working from home in Direct Sales since 1989. Shelly has been running her own successful online networking group for work at home women since 2004. You can visit Shelly’s networking group at: Classy Home Business Women or the Classy Business Chics Forum Boards

NOTE: This article is Exclusive to Work At Home Business Options and can not be reproduced without our permission.

Copyright © 2009 Work At Home Business Options and Shelly Hill

Direct Sales – 40 Groups To Contact For Fundraisers

Many Direct Sales Companies now offer some type of fundraising program that consultants can market along with their home party business.

Your first step to marketing the fundraising program is to sit down and make a list of groups that you can contact. One way of doing this is by printing out this checklist, and opening up your telephone book to gather the names and addresses. Once you have compiled your list, you will have to decide if you want to postal mail them a packet of information, hand deliver the packet of information or give them a call by telephone.

The following is a checklist of groups that might be interested in your fundraising program.

1. Cub Scouts
2. Girl Scouts
3. 4-H Clubs
4. Gymnastic Centers
5. Youth Ballet Dance Centers
6. Little League Baseball Teams
7. Peewee, Pony and Midgets Football Teams
8. Independent Cheerleading Centers and Clubs
9. Athletic Associations
10. Childcare Centers
11. In-Home Daycare Providers
12. Medical Organizations. example: Red Cross, United Way, Cystic Fibrosis Association
13. Oncology Doctor Offices
14. Art Associations
15. Craft Associations
16. High School Athletics Department
17. High School Senior Class Trip Advisors
18. High School Choir Advisor
19. Good Will and Salvation Army
20. Fire Houses
21. Ambulance Associations
22. Police Associations
23. Humane Society
24. Pet Rescue Organizations
25. Foster Care Associations
26. Churches and Places of Worship Groups
27. Other High School Clubs such as: Drama Club, Key Club, French and Spanish Club
28. Food Bank or Food Pantry Organization
29. Women Services Groups
30. Your Local Office of Aging
31. American Legion Clubs
32. Lions Club
33. Hospitals who do fundraising to raise money.
34. Long Term Care Facilities for the Elderly
35. Theaters and Comedy Clubs
36. Historic Societies
37. Tourist Attractions
38. Parks and Recreation Department
39. Local or Township Community Centers
40. Offer to throw a fundraiser for a local family who needs help in your community.

There are a lot of places to contact about the type of fundraising opportunities that you offer, this is just a partial list to give you a few ideas.

NOTE: This article is Exclusive to Work At Home Business Options and can not be reproduced without our permission.

Copyright © 2009 Work At Home Business Options and Shelly Hill