Being that I haven't even 'opened up shop' yet, 2011 means some serious local networking for me. My local Chamber of Commerce and a few local women's networking groups is high on my agenda. Plus, I'm planning on raising my hand with my area's volunteer group that help's our aged folk for about and hour or two each week. Volunteering isn't just for the networking side of things, it also makes me feel that I'm contributing to my local community.

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Alana Farr :daisy:
Alfa Virtual Business Services

Since I'm a QuickBooks Certified Pro Advisor and my specialty is small business bookkeeping I'm working with the local Small Business Development Center to start a QuickBooks users group. They provide the room. I provide the content.

Leslie

Chamber of Commerce - yes, but pick the right one if you are in a cross-border area. We have two or three within our "physical" location (remember a VA can work anywhere in the world) so rather than rush in, take some time to look at the web sites, see if they are more politically motivated (they should tell you how much of the fess goes to lobbying) and if they have free access to the directory call a few companies in the same category to see if they have good feedback.

In short - research before you spend.

My local networking plans involve participating in a local business to business networking group and a few netweavers groups making sure to follow up with introductions and one-on-one meetings. The groups I am participating in have been extremely helpful and supportive (I guess I have been lucky). Best of all they are free to participate in. Depending on success with the netweavers and B2B networking groups go, I may or may not join the CoC. Right now, I'm going to do what I can with what little resources (money) I have

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Shandon Collins, Senior Research Consultant & Owner
The Research Ace || http://www.theresearchace.com

Right now, I am in the beginning stages with starting my business. I do not know of any groups that I can participate in right off the top of my head.

Quick Question--Has anyone tried to market themselves toward government agencies or do you only target yourselves out to small businesses and entrepreneurs? Just wondering!

Please let me know your thoughts. Thanks!

-Theresa

Stay in touch with newspapers etc. if interested in local government - many of them if not all have to post for bids. Check with your city hall and county courthouse for a start re RFPs

I just joined the local Chamber of Commerce. Like Carrie, our local CoC has monthly mixers that i plan on faithfully attending in the new year.

Also, for my primary niche market I plan on gettig more involved in industry related events, and committees to make connections and to further develop my skills in that niche.

For my secondary niche market, I have not yet determined how to network in that one as of yet.

I use Facebook alot and frequently visit the pages of business owners (local, and regionally) and I will interact with them, as a means of networking and getting to know thier business so I can cross-promote and provide value to my potential clients.

I am also focusing on past contacts I have from the last 5 years in a corporate environment, I am trying to meet with them one on one over coffee to explain my service and 'ask them' to help me spread the word. I have had willing participants thus far! I have a gold mine here, because it is an oil & gas heavy market here and that is my niche market.

Great topic!

Thank you

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Kimberly, CEO / Administrator Streamatic Solutions
Streamlining tasks and optimizing productivity