Change the economy with small businesses!

I got an email this morning from an online networking group I'm in: Biznik. Their goal? Change the economy by supporting small business and getting small businesses to work with one another. How? By getting 100,000 small businesses and entrepreneurs to join the community.

I love Biznik for many reasons (you can read my previous post here), but mostly because the community is so supportive and interactive. Members want other members to succeed. And, unlike other online networking groups--I won't name names--Biznik members do more than just add connections. Biznik members comment on articles, attend real-life networking events, and do business with one another. It is one of the most engaged, interactive networks around.

So, to change the economy, us small businesses need to stick together and support one another. There's no better way to access and work with small businesses than to join Biznik. Click here to get started.

Three reasons I love Biznik for online networking.

As a small business owner, you're probably no stranger to Linked In. But, you might not be familiar with a just-as-great, but lesser-known online business networking tool: Biznik.

Biznik claims to offer "Business Networking That Doesn't Suck." And I must admit, it's true. The site does not suck.  Here are three ways to use Biznik to help your business:

1. Create a free profile.

On Biznik, there are three membership levels. The basic level is free, and I recommend trying it out before you commit to one of the paid membership options. On a free profile, you can post articles, benefit from search engine optimization, and host free events. Once you have a profile, you can invite friends or colleagues and build a following. You can get to know other members in your area. The result? Online promotion, website traffic, and new prospects for free. 

2. Post articles.

One of the best ways to promote yourself on Biznik is by writing and publishing articles to your profile. These articles are a great way to position yourself as an expert to your business contacts and provide them with value. Even better, if your article meets Biznik article specifications, it could be published on the Biznik main page--appearing to thousands of Biznik members across the country.

3. Take advantage of the search engine optimization options.

By becoming a Biznik member, you have the opportunity to create tags relevant to your business services. This not only increases the odds you'll be found within the Biznik network, but through major search engines like Google as well. You can also create tags for articles and blog posts on Biznik as well. Awesome!

3.5. Host an event.

Alright, so I have more than three ways. The last I want to mention, though, is hosting an event. On Biznik, if you host an event, you get immediate credibility and people start seeking you out. You're seen as a leader and organizer. That is never a bad thing.

If you're new to online networking, Biznik is a comfortable and fun place to start. It helps your business, your online marketing skills, and it certainly does not suck. I hope to network with you soon!

Iced white mocha and casual networking, please.

I must confess. I'm a coffee shop junkie. Every morning, I goto the Daily Grind in downtown Stillwater to chat with friends, enjoy an iced white chocolate mocha, and eavesdrop on gossip.

For some time, I felt guilty about this "extracurricular" activity because it seemed to keep me away from important things (building my business and working with clients). Lately, I've begun to lighten up on myself.

You see, hanging out at the coffee shop has started to work for me: people are using me for writing jobs. It's a networkers dream: a bunch of local business people come together each morning to talk and drink coffee. Super casual, always fun.

Do you have a local watering hole? I'm interested to know where people are casually networking and finding success.