Facing Up To Social Media!

There continues to be much hype these days suggesting that social media is the best way to grow your business, however research shows that to have success in business it is important to join a business organisation or a face-to-face networking group.

Being an active member of a business organisation or networking group allows one to build lasting relationships with like-minded people, many of whom can refer business to you.

Many business groups, such as chambers of commerce can offer additional benefits such as discounts on products and services for the whole membership as well as having a free directory listing as part of the cost of membership.

Many business networking groups, such as Amcham, give members the chance to present their business to the group whilst others are able to arrange specific business advice for members.

Being a member of an industry-specific business organisation is a great way to contribute to the growth of your industry and keep up with advances in your field, as well as an excellent opportunity to learn from others who may have more experience or new ideas.

General business organisations provide opportunities to interact with people in other fields, which can be quite enlightening.  Many general business organisations exist for a particular purpose, such as to provide networking for businesses in a specific geographic area.  Others, like Rotary and Lions, focus on community service which can greatly enhance your small business's profile in the community.

It’s usually a good idea to be involved with say three non-competing organisations, such as a chamber of commerce, a community group like Rotary and a face-to-face networking organisation.

Continue to be active in the rapidly changing world of social media, especially if you are running a local business. However meeting with other local business people and being an active participant in your local area will do more to help sell your products or services that lots of tweets on Twitter.

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Tony Benner is the Managing Director of Corporate Focus PR, a public relations and social media consultancy based in Sydney.  www.corpfocus.com.au   pr@corpfocus.com.au