Q. What are the two biggest priorities for Small Business Owners when growing their business?
A. Recent research demonstrates networking and a plan as the first two priorities.
- 38% cited some form of networking as the source of their sales
- BNI accounted for 20%
- Associations Networking pulled in 18%
- Chamber connections landed 17%
- The balance were gained through some other form of personal contact
Not all plans are the same; an actionable business plan must be compelling. This eliminates the risk of it sitting collecting dust in a shelf. Here are 9 steps to consider:
- Develop your Vision
- Core Values
- External assessment
- internal Analysis
- Your Mission
- Objectives
- Goals
- Action Steps
- Follow Up
Your networking ties are likely to be people that you discuss topics on a deeper and more focused level. Your strong ties, or connections, are also people with whom you have developed a deeper level of trust. Trust is absolutely key in the generation of business referrals.