Toastmasters: A Surprisingly Effective Small Business Networking ...
?Networking?. Does that word give you the shivers? Or even a deep sense of dread that makes you want to hide under the covers? Don?t worry, you?re not alone. Many small business entrepreneurs feel that way.
But let?s face it: networking is an important tool for small business success. Even if you have the best product or service, with the lowest price possible, if nobody knows about it then you won?t sell anything.
The best way to get more comfortable with the idea of a networking group is to choose the group that works best for you. One group that will make you feel comfortable and at the same time, help you with your business, is Toastmasters.
When you hear ?Toastmasters? you probably think of public speaking rather than networking. And you?d be correct, in a sense. Although public speaking is Toastmaster?s main mandate, there are hidden networking benefits to becoming a member of this group.
At the same time, you will get practice in speaking well in many different settings, while learning how to recognize other people?s body language and to use that knowledge to your advantage.
Another advantage of Toastmasters is that their training provides a variety of communication tools that promote spontaneity in both thoughts and actions. It is also designed to provide its members with performance improvements guaranteed to hone leadership skills, build confidence and improve self-image. All of this happens while you are interacting with other people who may need your product or service, or know someone else who does.
Since communication is a major focus at Toastmasters meetings, you?ll be expected to practice giving speeches. Why not start by giving a speech about your product or service? This way, you?re honing your skills as a public speaker and marketing your business as well!
Doing it this way is a breeze: you no longer have to feel like you are talking to someone at a networking event who is not interested in you. Your Toastmasters colleagues are there for you; they rooting for you. You are just telling your co-members of Toastmasters what you doing for a living. Selling and mingling at the same time!
Toastmasters chapters are available all over the United States and Canada. Although there?s a small monthly cost to be a member, your investment will certainly pay off as you take advantage of this not-so-obvious small business networking group.
Want to find out more about small business networking groups, then visit Barbra Sundquist?s home business website.
Source: http://art.redbright.co.za/toastmasters-a-surprisingly-effective-small-business-networking-group/
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