Entrepreneurship is very appealing to women in leadership. You get to be your own boss and the challenges of building your own business can be exciting. Is entrepreneurship something that you have considered? Perhaps the idea of working for yourself sounds appealing, but you don’t know where to begin. Maybe you’ve worked a full-time job all of your life and are afraid of what working on your own might mean. Here are some things to consider as you think about entrepreneurship.

1) Get your spouse’s support: Starting your own business will take a lot of mental and physical stamina. You will work long hours and will likely spend many days and nights away from home networking, marketing and building your business from the ground up. Be sure to discuss what entrepreneurship will mean with your spouse and get his/her buy-in. Having your spouse’s support and partnership as you take on a new endeavor will provide you with the extra fuel that you need when the going gets tough.

2) Get your financial house in order: Entrepreneurship is rewarding, but also very risky. In fact, many small businesses spend more than they make the first year of business. Before you take the plunge, work to clear your consumer debt and create a nest-egg that you will be able to rely on. Perhaps you want to cut back on your hours at work to ensure that you still have some steady income and health benefits while you develop your small business.

3) Plan and prepare: According to the Small Business Administration, 50% of small businesses fail within the first year. One of the primary reasons they fail is lack of planning and preparation. Take the time to get advice from the Small Business Administration or local economic development corporation. You may even decide to invest in a business coach who can help you develop a solid business plan and marketing strategy.

4) Stay focused: Entrepreneurship requires self-motivation, stamina, persistence and focus. You will need to program your mind for success. In order to do so, surround yourself with other like minded individuals. Join your local Chamber of Commerce or join a mastermind group. Both will offer you the opportunity to network with other entrepreneurs who can share in your experience, provide helpful advice and even offer strategic partnership opportunities.

There is a lot to consider before becoming an entrepreneur, but if you plan and prepare it can be extremely rewarding and fulfilling.

Ellie Nieves, Esq. is a Speaker, Writer and Leadership Coach. Through 55-minute telephone coaching sessions and live seminars, she helps women develop leadership skills, set strategic goals, bolster effectiveness and create a personal brand. To learn more go to http://www.LeadershipStrategiesForWomen.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ellie_Nieves

There has been tremendous proliferation of ‘get-rich quick’ internet schemes, and more often than not, these packages are designed to lure opportunists with the ‘get-rich’ mentality into forking out their pockets in hope of becoming the next ‘big thing’ on the Net. Contrary to this, being a successful internet entrepreneur doesn’t just happen overnight. Yaro Starak, a successful Australian entrepreneur, has this to say about ‘get- rich’ schemes:

“Here’s what you need to do. Stop buying products, look at what you have already, what you have learnt and where you think you could best leverage your skills.”

As is the same with brick-and –mortar entrepreneurship, internet entrepreneurship requires one to transform an idea into action. More often than not, it is a long process of perseverance and preparation, and the common reason for failed entrepreneurship ventures is more often due to laziness. Also, the lessons learnt in brick-and-mortar entrepreneurship must be applied to internet entrepreneurship, as elements like a strong idea for a product or service, solid understanding of the product or service, the customer, marketing principles and elements of financing ( CELCEE, 2003) must be factored in carefully. Furthermore, net-prenuers have to understand the dynamics of web technology in bringing their stores to the homes of their customers. These are considerations that a net-prenuer has to account for.

Above all factors, the defining characteristic of a true net-prenuer is one who has faced rejection, and has managed to overcome its hurdle. This was the case with Eric Smith, creator of eBay’s UnWired Buyer service, which alerts eBay buyers when their auction is ending and allows them to make last-minute bids by phone, using a phone firewall technology. The rationale behind UnWired is this: Buyers bid more often and bid higher when they use UnWired Buyer’s services, and the higher an auction goes, the bigger the payoff for eBay. eBay then pays UnWired an undisclosed percentage of revenue it gets when an Unwired Buyer user wins their auction. What most don’t know is that before the success of UnWired, Eric suffered a failed business opportunity in an earlier net venture utilizing phone firewall technology for online daters and users of social networking sites, who wanted to connect with potential matches without revealing their real numbers. Within a month of introduction, users found the service too expensive, as Eric had no way to lower the cost of that technology.

However, against all odds, Eric saw another opportunity, when his wife was telling him how she had been outbid again on eBay one day, as eBay did not have such a free phone bidding service back then. As the story goes, Eric proceeded to sell eBay his technological idea, and the rest of UnWired is history.

In summary, the story goes to show that internet entrepreneurship transcends more than a great idea, but solid character and action also plays a pivotal role in success. The ability to overcome a setback and not to be overcomed, is a net-prenuer’s greatest asset. To borrow a quote from Janelle Elms, “ make sure you’re using the “triangle of success””. That triangle comprises of 3 factors: “Character, Conscientiousness, and Consistency”. This is the heart of a successful net-preneur.

John Leow is a freelance internet marketer who desires to promote internet entrepreneurlism amongst the youth of today. His research favorites include analysing different types of internet marketing programs such as http://www.Profitlance.com He is also a guitar enthusasist and trainer, and his free guitar course can be found at Guitar-Werks

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Leow_John

Social entrepreneurship initiatives are ventures that can serve as a method of increasing the social value of a community, organization or cause while enhancing the financial viability of a not-for-profit organization. With this being stated, social entrepreneurship has been defined in different ways by many different theorists. Gary McPherson, Executive Administrator of the Canada Centre for Social Entrepreneurship, states that social entrepreneurship involves various individuals working toward meeting social and economic goals simultaneously; while Bill Drayton, CEO of Ashoka, defines social entrepreneurship as a term coined to describe “individuals who combine the pragmatic and results oriented methods of a business entrepreneur with the goals of social reform.”

A more basic definition of social entrepreneurship states that it is “the process of using entrepreneurial and business skills to create innovative approaches to social problems.” Therefore, it is a methodology that is presently being used to resolve community and societal concerns globally. Social entrepreneurship as an area of specialized entrepreneurship is not defined by the same titling in every culture. For example, in Latin America countries social entrepreneurship initiatives are referred to as “Micro Enterprise.” In India the same program would be identified as a “Social Mission.” Though termed differently in various regions, social entrepreneurship initiatives are being implemented to solve specific societal and community concerns by focusing on the needs and resource availability within specific geographic regions.

Social Entrepreneurship in Education Throughout the United States, many top tertiary level academic institutions are enhancing their business programs by including a curriculum that caters to the study of social entrepreneurship. In 2003, the Center for Responsible Business was launched on the University of California Berkley Campus. This subsidiary of the Haas School of Business was implemented with the intent of training students to be more principled and socially responsible members of society through attending “the preeminent educational institution in area of Corporate Social Responsibility.” Stanford University also has established a Center for Social Innovation as a part of its graduate school of business. This center was founded with the mission to “build and strengthen the capacity of individuals and organizations to develop innovative solutions to social problems for a more just, sustainable and healthy world.”

In 1993, Harvard Business School started its social enterprise program with its mission of “generating and sharing knowledge to help individuals and organizations to create social value in the not-for-profit, private and public sectors,” and the University of Miami has refocused its business school curriculum to include coursework in the areas of ethical-decision making, social entrepreneurship and community engagement with the primary focus being to expose students to various areas of civic engagement while concurrently teaching them leadership and team building skills.

Tertiary level institutions, including Duke, which has established a Center for the Advancement of Social Entrepreneurship as part of its Fuqua School of Business, and Columbia University where the research initiative on social entrepreneurship is embedded in its school of business, have also made strides to enhance the study and education of those seeking to venture into areas of social entrepreneurship and social venture implementation. The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business-International (AACSB – International) has identified over twenty-four tertiary level institutions that have included social entrepreneurship as a part of their business college and or business curriculums.

With social entrepreneurship being perceived by many as a new way of stimulating social change, Idee Winfield believes that the implementation of community-focused service learning projects is the first step in exposing youth to the various attributes associated with social entrepreneurship. Through community involvement, youth will begin to visualize and experience the various social issues within their community and envision ways to solve these problems. Winfield states that social entrepreneurship should be promoted in primary and secondary education, and coursework should be adjusted to allow students to “see how abstract socially focused concepts can have real world applicability.” Jeffrey Soderborg, a member of the Kauffman Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership Clearinghouse on Entrepreneurship Education, is also an ardent proponent of social venture education who believes that social entrepreneurship would be more readily accepted if youth were exposed to information expounding the laurels of these initiatives during their primary and secondary academic years.

As youth expand their horizons through the establishment of entrepreneurial efforts, knowledge and exposure to information about the process involved in the establishment of entrepreneurial business effectively plays a major role in the rate at which business entities are established. A study focusing on entrepreneurial interests among black youth ages 14 to 19 identified that 75% of the youth surveyed had interest in becoming entrepreneur. The study also found that these minority youth believed that more information about entrepreneurship should be presented through their schools. They also believed that entrepreneurs have a responsibility to reinvest in their community.

Corporate Social Responsibility

Personal values often serve as the justification for entrepreneurs to focus organizational efforts on socially focused ventures. The organizational decision to forgo pursuing financial gain with the intent of using the corporations’ profit resources to enhance a community is often referred to corporate social entrepreneurship. Corporate Social Entrepreneur (CSE) is a term used to describe corporate initiatives whose primary focus is to enhance a social concern and whose secondary focus is financial gain. The corporate social entrepreneur differs from the financial profit seeking entrepreneur in the area of decisions made that affect the community and environment in which their organization functions. Research identified that in corporate social entrepreneurship business acumen serves as a factor in the success or failure of social venture initiative implementation. Research identifies that success factors associated with the implementation of social responsibility initiatives were linked to whether the entrepreneur exhibits behavior that is moral, amoral or immoral.

The amoral entrepreneur would pursue initiatives only if they were deemed acceptable by the organization as a whole. The immoral entrepreneur implements initiatives based on what can be potentially gained for self as well as for the stakeholders, while the moral entrepreneur would pursue social responsibility initiatives based on what was in the best interest of the organization. Individuals identified as corporate social entrepreneurs are individuals who are more active in community activities and are actively involved in social responsibility efforts. Corporate social entrepreneurs also are more likely to implement social responsibility initiatives based on an organization’s long term objectives.

While many corporations are looking for ways to increase their social responsibility efforts, in some regions corporate responsibility efforts are not progressing. A policy paper, “Corporate Social Responsibility in Latin America and the Caribbean,” documented that corporate social responsibility activity in this region has “stalled.” The reason for stagnation in this region is “minimal government involvement” and the lack of “private sector involvement.” It was also identified that initiatives to implement programs focusing on social responsibility are often initiated outside of the market, and then subsequently not embraced by stakeholders who reside within this geographic region.

Corporations are continually looking for ways to increase corporate advantage through their social responsibility efforts. While proponents of corporate social responsibility believe that corporations are obligated morally to engage in efforts to enhance social, community and environmental concerns, many stakeholders believe that social involvement should only be initiated if the efforts are going to strengthen the organization’s image, brand, moral or stock value. With this in mind, corporations have separated social issues into specific categories.

These categories are social concerns that are general, social concerns that are value chain based and concerns that focus on social dimensions of competitive contrast. Generic social issues are identified as social concerns that do not directly affect the company’s operation and do not have an effect on a company’s competitive advantage. Corporations are least likely to get involved or invest in projects that focus in these areas because they will not receive a high value of return on their involvement. Value Chain Social Impact issues can significantly affect a company’s operation and can have an impact on the way a company conducts business. Corporations are more likely to be involved in value chain concerns, but only after conducting due diligence studies to ensure that a return on investment will be achieved over time.

Social issues that affect a company’s financial profitability or serve to enhance or increase a company’s competitive edge are likely to be areas that a company will invest in because of the direct impact that these initiatives will have on the company’s overall viability and stability. An example of a social dimension projects is General Electric’s investment in under-performing high schools throughout the country. General Electric believes that through investing financial and professional resources in under-performing high schools in areas where they have substantial financial investment, they are investing in enhancing a community, as well as directly increasing their future employment prospects.

Whole Foods Market is an organization that has taken control of its social value position through purchasing products from local farmers. Also, Whole Foods maintains strict controls over all of the products produced and sold in all of its locations. They even have extended their social and ecological efforts through offsetting the use of in-store electricity with the installation of wind conversion generators, converting their trucks to operate on bio-fuel and trucking spoiled produce to regionally located compost sites. Though the investments in these technologies may be costly at the onset, the long term financial, civic and market exposure benefits far exceed any initial costs incurred.

In the area of corporate philanthropy many corporations are at a loss. They continue to be involved in the conflict between philanthropic giving and investor requests for increased profits. For this reason many corporations engage in context-giving programs. Context-giving programs are programs that are defined as allotting resources to specific projects that will enhance the community while simultaneously enhancing the corporation.

Examples of context-giving initiatives include the Cisco System Networking Academy, which trains computer network administrators and provides job opportunities to those who complete the program; the DreamWorks SKG film production program that trains low-income individuals in occupations that are needed in the film and entertainment industry; and American Express Travel and Tourism Academy which trains high school youth for careers in the hospitality and tourism industry. Corporations that invest in corporate-giving social venture programs are concurrently gaining positive return on their social investment, improving the economic climate of the communities where they are located and gaining positive exposure for their organizations.

At times social ventures do not have the intended impact on the community. A study focusing on the impact of community focused business ventures found that businesses started with the intent of enhancing a community often lose focus by becoming focused on profitability and competition. Competition and self-focused motivators were identified to be factors that played an additional role in the impact and economic role that entrepreneurial ventures have in community settings.

While many foundations, trusts and philanthropic organizations, accumulate and distribute resources with the intent of providing services to enhance specific community or social causes, many of these organizations are looking for ways to gain public exposure for their efforts. Organizations also attempt to leverage their gifting efforts through seeking not-for-profit organizations that are willing match the funding received. The success of funded programs is evaluated through performance outcomes and indicators, and through promoting the organization’s work through success stories provided by program clients. These methods are viable ways for funding agencies to acquire value and exposure through their philanthropic efforts and simultaneously continue their efforts to enhance the communities in which they invest.

With the social philanthropic efforts of Warren Buffet and Bill Gates gaining a high degree of attention, and many leaders engaging in activities to promote social advocacy, corporations are seeking ways to also gain exposure with social entrepreneurship. Social entrepreneurship from the corporate perspective can be defined as corporate social initiatives used by a corporate entity as vehicle to show support for social causes. In recent years, many Fortune 500 companies have implemented social ventures with the intent of enhancing their corporate image through providing funding for various social causes.

McDonald’s is one such company that has funded social causes for many years. McDonald’s primary social venture is the Ronald McDonald House Charities. The Ronald McDonald House provides lodging for the families of adolescents, ranging in age from birth to 18, who are receiving critical care for illness in communities that are away from their community of residence. The Ronald McDonald House allows families to reside in these temporary living facilities throughout the child’s period of treatment at no charge.

The Federal Express Corporation also funds programs focused on the implementation of socially responsible programs. FedEx is a supporter of St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and has been acknowledged by Reader’s Digest as one of “Americas Best Charity Minded Corporation.” Federal Express has also been recognized for providing funding for numerous community and civic organizations, including March of Dimes, Heart to Heart organization, an organization that focuses on delivering food and health resources globally, the United Way and the National Civil Rights Museum. These are just a few of the charitable initiatives that allow Federal Express to present itself as a socially conscious organization.

Virgin Mobile has partnered with Youth Noise, a not-for-profit organization that brings youth together for networking and brainstorming opportunities, and Stand Up for Kids, the largest all volunteer not-for-profit organizations in the United States, to implement an initiative to expand its corporate social responsibility activities. The project involves recording artists donating ring tones to Virgin Mobile and through partnership agreements, 5% of the proceeds received through ring tone sales are donated to various “Virgin Mobile Charity Partners.” This initiative, established in June 2006, is being positioned to raise over $250,000 annually.

For social ventures to gain global acceptance, corporations need to become involved in ventures that allow employees and consumers to see the social, community and external benefit of these ventures. This process is identified in countries south of the United States, where the concept of social responsibility is one that has been embraced by many but implemented by few. Many government organizations expect non-government, or private organizations to take responsibility for ensuring the stability and longevity of the resources throughout this region while the private sector is looking toward government agencies for intervention.

Paul Van Putten, is an educator, entrepreneur and business consultant in the areas of social entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial start-up, marketing, media management and leadership engagement. Dr. Van Putten has seamlessly transitioned between both academic and corporate environments having served as a College President and Corporate CEO. He has also served as a consultant with national and international organizations. http://www.nationaletc.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Van_Putten

Business cards are the staple of most advertising work, and a good business card is a great way to get your name and business out to individuals in your community. The reason that business cards work so well on a local level is simply due to the fact that they are so personal in nature. They usually have your name, phone number, address and company logo, but the best part about your business card is that they closely connect to you. Either you personally gave the card to your prospective customer, or they received the card from a friend who has used your company and have been pleased with your services. That intimacy is incredibly valuable in finding people who will not only show up at your business, but who will also continue to do business with you. Another way to use business cards is to post them in popular local restaurants and retail establishments. Many communities treasure their home grown locations for food and entertainment, and seeing your business card connected to such establishments can be wonderful press. Local success is all about building relationships within the community, and business cards can help to accomplish that goal.

Another way to promote your business well on a local level is with post cards and brochures. On the surface, brochures are distant and impersonal, but a well-established brochure can function as an extension of a personal meeting with an individual. The key to using brochures well is found in the method of distribution. Leaving them in a plastic container at your receptionist’s desk is going to do little for you. Instead, find a way to get those brochures out into the community. The same goes for post cards.

A few good ways to get post cards and brochures out into the community would be to attend your town’s community day parade and have a company float that connects your business’ services to the intimacy of the town. Have employees, friends, and family walk around the float handing out brochures with candy attached for the children, and you will have created a great marketing attraction. Town events are an excellent way to get your name and face out into the community. However, if all you ever do at these events is talk about your business, you may gain a reputation as something of a self-promoter. Be sure to take some time to let your guard down and enjoy the festivities. Do not just be a distant business person who sits aside watching the community while trying to get money from them. Become part of what is going on around you. Personal involvement in the community can become some of the best publicity.

A way to enhance your involvement in the local business community is by getting involved in your town’s chamber of commerce. The chamber of commerce, to an extent, has its finger on the pulse of the town’s economic activity. Becoming personally involved in the work that is done by your local chamber is a great way to establish yourself as trustworthy and credible. It also will help you stay up to date with what is going one with other businesses in the community. Using the chamber of commerce to your advantage can be invaluable to a small, local business owner.

While doing all of this to develop relationships out in the community, you need to also maintain the utmost in professionalism back at the office. Spend the money for customized stationary. A letter with your company’s letterhead on it looks a lot better than one on regular printing paper. Make sure you have a high quality sign printed at the front of your building as well. It is easy as a small business to neglect these kinds of details because the budget is usually limited. If your business does not give the impression of a well established, well financed operation, customers will usually stay away. Finding the right combination between professionalism at the office and intimacy in the community will help your small business flourish in the local sphere.

Establishing local roots for a company can be a daunting task. With the internet providing such easy access to consumers everywhere, it can be very challenging to show the people around you why they should stay close to home. In order to get them to notice that you are offering products and services that are significant, it is important to reach out to them on a personal, relational level, while also staying professional. Using business cards, brochures, and post cards well is a great way to establish you and your business as a part of the local community. At the office, using custom stationary and other custom printing will allow you to give the appearance of a professional institution. Maintaining both ideals is a great way to find your niche with local consumers.

About The Author

Nick Kakolowski is a freelance writer who writes about business and networking, often describing is specific aspect of networking such as utilizing business cards .

The Small Business Administration has offices in most parts of the country. Although getting face-to-face assistance has become a bit more difficult in recent years due to budget cuts ordered by the Bush administration, the Small Business Administration also has a website packed with helpful information, forms, tutorials and online courses. Small business owners can count on the Small Business Administration for accurate information on laws affecting small businesses, tax and social security information and small business statistics.

The Small Business Administration’s sister organization, the Service Corps of Retired Executives provides mentoring and in-person courses for small business owners. The Service Corps of Retired Executives was created by a group of retired executives from large corporations who wanted to continue using their business skills after retirement to mentor small business owners.

Local Chambers of Commerce are another excellent resource. Chambers of Commerce typically serve two functions: Promoting the business climate of the area to outside investors and serving as a networking hub for existing businesses. However, due to the rise in entrepreneurship, many Chambers of Commerce are beginning to offer seminars to start up business owners including marketing, bookkeeping and other topics. They may also offer special networking events geared toward new businesses just getting started.

Once you get your business started, there is no better resource for networking than your local Chamber of Commerce. The annual fee is typically modest and covers your attendance at more functions than you could possibly find the time to attend. For example, the Chamber of Commerce in West Palm Beach, Florida offers networking breakfasts, lunches, cocktail hours and dinners. They also offer special networking events targeted at certain business sectors, sponsorship of corporate events and a member directory with advertisements from their membership.

About The Author

Jonathon Hardcastle writes articles on many topics including Business, Real Estate, and Employment

At the chamber show there were booths ranging from home improvement to local banks. There were SEO companies, restaurants, technology based companies, and cell phone companies. All there with the same purpose and for the most part the same strategy of networking.

From my study of the folks at the show here is how it works and why it works. First of all, everyone there for the most part was a member of the Chamber and they all had a booth. Second, each booth would send sales people out to go around to other booths and repeat a pretty simple pitch.

“Hi Marty”, (everyone had name tags), “What do you and your company do?”

That’s it! With that simple question people would share what they do and why they do it. Then the wandering rep would just have to decide if THEY could help that booth with their business. I couldn’t believe it! I would think that your booth was set up to draw business while in reality the booth was just a place for others to pitch their service to you!

While wandering myself I spoke with a few local companies that perform SEO services and web services more or less to see what others in my industry where up to but I noticed the real use of the selling to booth strategy when I walked up to a booth that stages homes before sale.

As a strategic person I understand the importance of staging a home and I am planning on selling my house in the next 5 years so I approached the TBJ Home Staging Impressions booth. As I chatted with Gayle she told me that this is a new adventure for her and that she was having a website created as we speak. CHA-CHING! Now she was talking my language and I knew how I could help her. I explained that I am into that type of work and that I offer web hosting all the while I grabbed one of her business cards and slipped it into my wallet right next to my own business card which I handed to her.

Now, I might not hear from Gayle about hosting but the importance of networking is still there. I may need to stage my house and I only know one person who does that and she may need to host her site still, where I am sure I will be fresh on her mind.

Think of networking like lottery tickets. The more tickets you pick up the greater chance you will have of winning! Even though the chance is minimal, the reward is worth it.

Join online social groups, go to shows and conferences, and talk to anyone that will listen. You’re only helping your business when you do!

About The Author

DJL has offered web solutions for a number of years that include everything from printing to programming. In 2007 DJL shifted their main focus into web hosting and hosting education to teach others the in’s and out’s of an ever changing industry.

http://www.djlsolution.com -   http://www.how-2-host.com

Well, that’s what should be happening anyway. When it comes to validating your business plan it’s not a bad idea to apply the following rule and see what the outcome is:-

1. Halve your revenue expectations
2. Double your costs

If you’re still making money then you really could be in with a shout of starting your own business and having a viable business to boot. Congratulations!

The serious point to this however is if you now look at your costs and try and find ways to reduce them, then this should be a really useful exercise. How many businesses go bust in their infancy due to “cash flow problems”? Taking control of your costs in this way will really ensure that you give your business every chance of success.

One of the biggest costs that any new business has is advertising and marketing and a great frustration is that to the inexperienced professional it can be a bit hit and miss in terms of its success and if you find it to be more miss than hit, then the odds are that your going to find it an expensive business too.

One way to get targeted advertising in a relatively low cost environment is business networking and if you’re really lucky you may find that there are a local business networking events in your area. If you’re not having success in this area then consider contacting your local chamber of commerce.

There are two big chamber organisations in the USA and one in the UK

The British Chamber of Commerce

The British Chamber is a non-political, non-profit making organisation comprising of over 56 accredited Chambers all over the UK.

The fundamental aim of the British Chamber to ensure that UK business thrives and it does this by working with key decision-makers in government to try and influence policy.

It’s at the local level however where you will find support to the business community providing services, information and guidance to its members such as business networking events through free legal advice and reduced insurance.

The US Chamber of Commerce

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce was established in 1912 is still the world’s largest business federation representing over 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions. There are hundreds of associations and thousands of local chambers in the US and it also includes over one hundred organizations abroad.

Just as the British Chamber its primary goal is to”fight for business and free enterprise before Congress, the White House, regulatory agencies, the courts, the court of public opinion, and governments around the world.”

The US chamber provides a multitude of services from advice, information and education and again at the local level, support in the form of business networking information and events.

The U.S Women’s Chamber of Commerce

The Womens Chamber supports both female business owners and career professionals with the objective of creating business and leadership opportunities for women.

It provides numerous services to deliver government contracting opportunities and provide access to education and development programmes. It runs a variety of events aimed at bringing women together to learn about and discuss topical issues with other women.

So in summary there is a wealth of opportunity out there to promote your growing business with out spending a fortune and a great place to start is your local Chamber of Commerce.

About The Author

Louise Yates shares business networking information and business networking tips for generating referrals and free sales leads together with performance business coaching for your work, life and career development.

Know the Competition: Most trade show organizers, whether the sponsoring industry or the convention center where the trade show will be held, provides attendees with a list of exhibitors. It may be in the form of a web page, or it may come in your registration information packet. Whatever form it takes, study it carefully before you get to the trade show.

Determine your purpose in attending this trade show. If there are a lot of old names and faces, you may decide to spend your time at the show cementing those existing relationships with clients, customers or suppliers. If there are more up-and-coming or new-to-you exhibitors, you might want to spend your time at the trade show networking, getting your name out there.

Or you may decide that its time to see what is new and trendy, what the new kids on the block have to offer. If the exhibitors are a mixed bag, then you will have to decide just who would be the most profitable to spend time with on the trade show floor.

Make a Plan of Action: You have studied the exhibitors and know just who you want to see and why. Now, its time to create a schedule or plan that ensures you will fulfill your goal for the trade show. If you will be mostly cementing those long term relationships, you may want to allow yourself plenty of time for doing just that – hanging out at their booths, chatting and catching up.

Schedule long appointments, or schedule your appointments far apart, so you do not have to feel rushed with old friends and acquaintances. If you or most of the exhibitors are fairly new to the industry, you may want to spend large blocks of time just wandering the floor, getting a feel for who is who and what is what. You can schedule short appointments for meeting with those whose products and services interest you the most. You should try and schedule all your appointments, both with established clients and newcomers, before the trade show begins, so that you can be sure of getting a meeting with everyone you want or need to see while you are there.

Be Prepared: You may have the perfect plan of attack, but without the right equipment, you may be doomed for failure. Or at least sore feet. A great deal of your time on the trade show floor will be spent walking and standing. Pack and wear comfortable shows. The trade show is not the place to break in a new pair. Nor is it the place to wear that great looking but foot-crunching pair, either.

Wear comfortable clothing, too. Be sure and take a sweater or jacket, something that you slip into if the hall is too cool. Even if the show is in January, do not pack all your warmest gear, either. Crowded convention exhibit halls can get uncomfortably warm, and you do not want to show up for that important meeting drowning in perspiration. Take a notepad or mini-recorder for taking notes.

You may have a great idea on the second day of the show, but by the time you return to your office the next week, you can not remember a thing. A client may find you in the lobby and ask you for an impromptu meeting after dinner, but if you can not remember the name of the restaurant or the time he suggested, what good is it going to do you? Having some way of taking notes and jotting reminders for yourself will make your time spent at the trade show much more enjoyable and profitable.

You might want to bring a small wheeled train case, messenger bag or backpack with you. There are usually lots of marketing materials, promotional items and free samples given away at trade shows. Having some place to carry them without straining your back too much or occupying your hands for the entire show is a good idea. Some suggest that rolling cases can also create a path through crowded sections of the floor, if you push it ahead of you as you go. Other fair goers say they make it too difficult to sort through all the material gathered come the end of the day. You may want to try taking a backpack and a train case. Or take one to one show and an alternative to another to help you decide which goody-gatherer you prefer.

Be Flexible: As with your goody-gathering device, your entire mindset during the tradeshow should be one of flexibility. If a meeting does not pan out as you did hope, do not let it get you down. If a client you really hoped to see at the show had to cancel at the last minute, spend some time networking with new folks. Do not limit your entire experience to the show floor, either.

You may find groups gathered in the lobby or the hotel bar or in the restaurant across the street. While these areas may not conducive to serious business talks, they can be great opportunities to meet new people, learn a few useful facts about a new product or service, and perhaps schedule a meeting or appointment for after the trade show. While every meeting may not end in a sale, every meeting has the potential for a future meeting that may end in a sale.

Trade shows can be rewarding personally and professionally. They can be a great time to connect with others in your industry or profession. You can gain a good deal of knowledge, a good deal of business and have a good time while doing so. By being prepared before and during a show, you can avoid a great deal of stress while creating a success.

About the Author

Wentrip provides information and travel resources in China. Whether you are looking for guangzhou hotels, or a canton fair hotel or maybe you are traveling to a different city or region – Wentrip will help you find the right advice and accommodations fast.