Networking for Results

It’s obvious that networking can help you with your career and business. Networking offers two or more parties the opportunity to connect for mutual benefit. There will be a couple of exciting networks that you can be a part of at the BizGrowth Challenge Launch Symposium next week. The first is the Outsourcing Network on Wednesday, June 22nd and then the Barter Network on Thursday, June 23rd.

Outsourcing Network

Do you have a skill, knowledge, education or talent that you are willing to share for payment on an as-needed basis? Are you unemployed or not working enough hours to provide for your needs? The Outsourcing Network is a new concept that is based on hiring individuals who obtain a business license and then contract their work on a project basis, which allows businesses to get the help they need without having to hire additional full- or part-time employees. It also allows those who can get a business license to work for residential and business people on a contract basis.

The individuals are paid an agreed upon amount per hour or for a project, and they take care of their own taxes and other fees. The public is invited to attend the free Wednesday Symposium to start the process to get their business license and also let others who have a business license attend and provide their contact information that will be available for reference. Business owners can then make the contact and negotiate the arrangements with the individuals who have a business license.

The intent of the Outsourcing Network is to reduce the payroll expense of business owners who cannot hire more people on a part- or full-time basis, but may need additional assistance at peak periods. It will also allow many individuals who are under- or un-employed to earn additional income, and possibly get hired if a business is impressed with their work behavior and skills.

Barter Network

Bartering allows businesses to save their valuable cash by bartering their assets with other businesses willing to trade their goods and services. In these tough times, when fuel and utility costs are skyrocketing and the dollar is shrinking, getting what you need without spending cash could make the difference between survival and growth.

You’ll learn about the essentials of barter and trade, how to set up an agreement that is fair to all parties, and how to establish a market and going prices. Each of the businesses involved with the CHALLENGE will have the opportunity to get involved and list those items they have to trade, and what they would be willing to trade for. You’ll also learn about the tax implications of trade and how to report it accurately.

Here are 7 reasons you should consider bartering to benefit your business:
1. Create a new customer base by introducing you to new customers who are willing to leave their established business or vendor to work with you.
2. Increase your organization’s profitability by lowering overhead expenses and saving your cash.
3. Moving excess or slow moving inventory. When new models are brought in, you can trade your old inventory for desired goods and services.
4. Keep cash readily available in the bank for payroll, inventory, emergencies, or other times of need.
5. Build staff morale and productivity by using traded items for incentives and/or bonuses for your employees.
6. Improve marketing and advertising efforts. If you have items that are needed by media groups, they will often trade for air time or ads in their magazine or newspaper.
7. Enhance your personal life by trading for items that you can use at home that will improve your quality of life.

At the Thursday session, you will also learn about the Outsourcing Network and individuals will have the opportunity to enroll in the program.

To learn more about these exciting networks, be sure to attend the Wednesday Symposium if you are a farmer (CREES will share their expertise), someone who would like to start a business, has started a new business and wants support, or if you just want to join the Outsourcing Network. This session is free to the public and lasts from 8am to noon.

The Thursday Symposium is an all-day event intended for business owners, managers, and staff. There is a cost of $30 to attend the full-day session, or for $97 (which includes two tickets to the Thursday event) you and your business can participate in the entire 12-week Challenge, which includes many benefits. To learn more about the CHALLENGE, email me at RikVillegas@gmail.com.