Networking in business is so important, not only to create new customers, but also to network with other businesses. A good business network can lead you to new suppliers, new services, and even new friends.
At Cornerstone Business Center in Bunnell, Networking Nite happens once a month on the fourth Thursday of each month in the Flagler County, Florida area. Cornerstone Center chooses a restaurant for Networking Nite, preferably one of the restaurants in the business network. The turnout is great because of the friendship and support that have been forged through the business network. Cornerstone Center offers local small businesses the chance to network with each other in a relaxed social atmosphere for Networking Nite. Together, they learn about each other’s business and more importantly, about each other. It is important to know other businesses in your area and what they are doing in their business. It is amazing how many issues have been resolved by one business and how other businesses can benefit from that knowledge.
A business network is important for the following reasons: brand recognition, generate leads, build partnerships, Be a positive influence on other businesses, get to know your competition, and be a mentor to other businesses just starting out.
When you own a business, you want everyone to know your company and your brand. Networking Nite allows business owners to not only get their name out there, but to exchange information with other businesses in the form of the EZ-Tap card or an old fashioned business card. This can help generate leads. When one business in the network cannot perform the needed service, they often call a business in the network which can. This is where partnerships and friendships are forged for the long term success of all businesses involved in the network.
It becomes more than friends and long term relationships. It becomes a support group among business owners where one business can mentor another to success. Older businesses share their experience and can help newer businesses with almost any issue they are having. Everyone revels in everyone’s success.
The best reason for Networking Nite is to make new friends. Business owners have a lot in common with each other no matter what type of business they are running. They have many of the same challenges and are working in the same city. Sharing knowledge and friendship in a relaxed social setting keeps Networking Nite popular among the small business owners who have joined the network and enjoy the friendship.
Cornerstone Center also opens Networking Nite to business families and friends. This brings the families and their business together with other families and their businesses in a relaxed setting where good conversation, good food, and good people have the opportunity to come together and discuss their business and their services with each other. Cornerstone Center’s goal is to build everlasting relationships with Flagler County business owners.
