Business

BUSINESS PROS CONNECT

February 27 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Deer Valley Airport Restaurant 702 W Deer Valley Dr, Phoenix Please join fellow entrepreneurs in the area for our monthly networking meeting. We are here to build relationships and exchange referrals.

These events are FREE to attend and non-industry exclusive. Be sure to bring plenty of business cards, and bring a friend!

#bigloveforsmallbusinesses

Join us online at Facebook.com/groups/BusinessProsConnect

Join our Loyalty Customer Club! After 5th visit receive $5 off*

New Customers: FREE Dry Cleaning*

when you prepay $80

# Odorless Non-Toxic Eco-Friendly

1930 West Pinnacle Peak Road • Phoenix, AZ 85027 Hours: Monday - Friday 7AM - 7PM • Saturday 8AM - 5PM

THE POWER OF NETWORKING By Molly Cerreta Smith ing group are in the same industry, they

Networking is one of the most one another and help create new and beneficial ways to take any different solutions to the “same old” business to the next level or for challenges. Getting a diverse range of new business owners to make connec- opinions, advice or support on a topic is tions in the community. Here, we take a one of the greatest benefits of being part look at the numerous ways that net- of a networking group. working can benefit a business.

MAKING CONNECTIONS Some of the best advertising one can New to a networking event? Don’t be get is the referral of a friend, colleague shy – jump right in! At one point or or business associate. By expanding another, everyone there was a newcom- their reach and making new connecer, so don’t hesitate to approach new tions, businesses can truly benefit from people, introduce yourself and ask them great a great resource of referrals. about their business/company and what brings them to the event. This is the ADVANCING YOUR CAREER easiest way to start getting the most out Networking isn’t just for business of the event and start connecting with owners and top-level execs. There are new people. benefits to networking if you’re lookSENSE OF COMMUNITY experience or find a mentor, or if you’re Joining a group of like-minded people looking to move up the ladder. can not only help people make connections, but it can also build a sense INCREASING YOUR PROFILE of community. Businesses in the same Those that are part of the regular netneighborhood or in the same industry working scene are the ones that people can really benefit from building a com- begin to recognize and see as a source munity that supports one another. of knowledge and advice. When you’re EXPANDING YOUR REACH nity, this is an extremely powerful tool. Networking is also beneficial for can share ideas, bounce thoughts off

GAINING REFERRALS

ing for a new job, looking to gain more looking to become a part of a commuhelping people expand their circle and Networking events allow you an opreach new people they might not have portunity to get out there, make yourself otherwise met or done business with. more visible, and introduce yourself For those that are new to the area, and your company to a whole new starting with a new company, opening group of people. There are so many a new business or wanting to expand ways that individuals and businesses their businesses, networking allows the as a whole can benefit from taking the perfect opportunity to meet new people time to network. It’s usually a social and get connected with other busi- environment, so don’t stress too much nesses. about trying to get a hard sales pitch in right then and there. Focus on making SHARING NEW IDEAS genuine connections first, and the rest Whether or not people in the network- will come.