<p>The main benefit of networking is expanding your business relationships so you can provide referrals. You can be a resource for others to contact when they are looking for resources. Attending multiple events over a period of time is also important to build trust and interest from potential collaborators.&nbsp;</p> <p>I am providing some fundamentals to get the most out of networking:<br /><br />Diversify your networking. Chamber mixers are effective but you can network while participating in a hobby or attending a mixer within a different culture.</p> <ul> <li>Attend the event by yourself. You are more likely to initiate conversation with another solo artist.</li> <li>Respectfully join a conversation. At networking events, people know that eye contact is an invitation.</li> <li>Enjoy your conversation. Listen to their story instead of counting-down to when they will ask you to exchange business cards.</li> <li>Be sincere. I think being honest and upfront about what you are looking for helps both parties realize if there is possible synergy.</li> <li>Follow-up with a brief email. Group blind-copied emails with your contact information is a start, but personalized notes with helpful websites or leads make a more lasting impression.</li> <li>Understand what networking follow-up meetings are. Networking meetings are for people to share information about their business, not to sell it.</li> </ul> <p>Extremethings.com, going.com, upcoming.org and meetup.com are excellent sites to find non-traditional networking events. The important thing is to get out and enjoy meeting new people.</p> <p><strong>Business In a Box</strong></p> <p>If you have passion and perseverance, you can &ldquo;easily&rdquo; start a business. It is easy to start a business if you have resources to establish the foundation. Getting stakeholders to buy into your vision, employees who will sacrifice with you and diversified &ldquo;bosses&rdquo; aka clients, NOW that takes determination. <br /><br /> I am going to provide the do-it-your-selfers with online websites that will save you hundreds of dollars in start-up costs.<br /><br /> <strong>Trademark search</strong>. You can do an extensive search online with search engines and the <a href="http://www.uspto.gov/">Uspto.gov</a>. If you don&rsquo;t find a similar mark, then you can take a calculated risk and register it. Otherwise you can pay a <a href="http://www.thomson-thomson.com/do/pid/1">professional search firm</a>. (Savings~$400)<br /><br /> <strong>Register your trademark</strong>. A lawyer will do the same steps but add their hourly rate on top of the $325 registration fee. (Savings~$370)<br /><br /> <strong>Setup your LLC or Corporation.</strong> <a href="http://www.mynewcompany.com/idevaffiliate/idevaffiliate.php?id=1291">MyNewCompany</a> has the least expensive rates with upfront prices. (Savings~$2,000)<br /><br /> <strong>Get a business license</strong>. If you pay someone, you&rsquo;re just paying them to stand in line for you at the <a href="http://www.lacity.org/finance/finD.htm">Office of Finance</a> (Los Angeles). There is no filing fee. (Savings~$70) You can check out <a href="http://www.business.gov/">business.gov</a> for links to other counties.<br /><br /> <strong>Register your Fictitious Business Name</strong>. You can do an online search prior to visiting the <a href="http://www.lavote.net/CLERK/Business_Name.cfm">Office of the Registrar</a>. The fee is $23 plus a separate cost of publishing your name in a <a href="http://www.30dollardba.com/">local newspaper</a>.(Savings~$200)<br /><br /> <strong>Obtain a Taxpayer ID Number (EIN or TIN)</strong>. I&rsquo;ve known people who have paid between $75-$150. This form is <em>free</em> and takes less than 10 minutes to complete online at <a href="http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=102767,00.html">Irs.gov</a>. (Savings~$100)<br /><br /> <strong>Apply for a merchant account.</strong> This account is needed if you have an ecommerce site or accept credit cards. Fees range. <a href="http://www.authorize.net/">Authorize.net</a> is a gateway to process transactions and <a href="http://www.e-onlinedata.com/">e-online data</a> is a reputable firm for transaction processing. (Savings~$100)<br /><br /> You just saved about $3240! For about $700 you can establish your legal entity in California if you don&rsquo;t mind putting in the time. Please note: You should seek professional guidance if you have a complicated product or service or are part of a regulated industry.</p> 2009-10-11T00:47:51Z -1.42808 230 6882 true 4 43947 work-that-room-offline-business-networking 1 2009-10-17T08:07:14Z 2009-10-17T15:08:01Z

Business Connections and Business in a Box. Learn how to work a room and follow-up with contacts. Start your business the discounted way. Learn online do-it-yourself resources to launch your business.

1 2009-10-17T15:08:01Z