As a small business owner, it is easy to find yourself feeling
isolated and even depressed, especially during the holidays. In fact, this is a
common sentiment amongst entrepreneurs. It can be comforting and beneficial to
have a strong network of like-minded
individuals who understand your day-to-day challenges.
Every professional knows building a network is important. If your
eyes are already starting to gloss over because a) you don’t have time, b) you
don’t know where to start, c) you find networking to be intimidating, or d) all
of the above, it’s time to perk up! We’ve identified 4 ways to build your
network, plus, ways RCI can help!
- Seek
out a mentor
A great mentor can offer guidance and support
through the wisdom that comes with experience. There’s a good chance with any
challenge you may be facing, they’ve lived it and can share what they’ve learned from
both their mistakes and successes. Look for experienced leaders that you admire
and respect through your local community or your industry.
RCI’s People to People Network is a great resource
for identifying members within the same industry, who have voluntarily offered
to share their knowledge with other RCI members. Within the People to People
Network we have identified potential mentors, as well as their areas of
expertise, including industry subjects such as tempering, equipment,
formulations, facility design and more, as well as broader business topics like
marketing, accounting, ecommerce , succession planning, etc. Sign in at retailconfectioners.org
and find the People to People Network under the Member Resources tab.
- Attend
social events
Of course, seeing what your local Chamber of
Commerce or other local professional organizations have on the calendar is an option.
If you’re looking for a group with more specialized interests, check out
Meetup.com to find like-minded individuals gathering near you.
Providing opportunities to connect with fellow
confectioners and industry suppliers is one of the pillars of RCI. As an
international association, you can expect RCI to host a number of events for
members and non-members across the US and abroad each year, offering fun and
engaging ways to build relationships and share ideas. Visit retailconfectioners.org/events
or follow us on Facebook
to keep up on the latest events.
- Volunteer
As the saying goes, “you have to give to get.”
You’d be surprised how quickly and effortlessly your network can grow when you
volunteer.
Even if you’re already involved in a networking
association, it can be awkward and intimidating to put yourself out there. By
volunteering, making connections may come more naturally to you if you’re
working with others on a specific task or project.
- Share
your advice and experience
Even the busiest of us can manage to make time
to post to their favorite social network now and then. A few minutes is all you
need to join the conversation happening on RCI’s online forum, List Serve. Respond
to inquiries and share your own quandaries in your pajamas, if you wish!
Participate in troubleshooting topics ranging from chocolate production,
marketing and business ownership and build your network in the process. Sign in
at retailconfectioners.org
and find List Serve under the Member Resources tab.
Stay connected with RCI
through Facebook for
more tips and inspiration dedicated to the retail candy maker. Not a
member? Click here to learn how RCI can help
you build your sweet business.
