Do you believe that B2B connections are important for the Small Business Professional?

Since the pandemic started last year, digital marketing has gone on steroids and decision makers are overwhelmed with online sales messages and offerings. Right now more than ever, your sales will come from direct contacts, personalized networking and referrals. It’s critical for Small Businesses to build this direct network with prospects as well as with suppliers that can channel your company message to other end users that these suppliers already work with. Traditional selling will rebound but right now, using this approach is the most effective way to go. 

Absolutely. Whether you have a B2B business or B2C, having connections with other businesses and business professionals can only help your business. In supporting other small businesses and business professionals and receiving support from them, we can learn much, build great relationships and help one another in our journey to success. You also never know that other small business owners may become your clients or you theirs.

I find it important to have a network I can refer people to when they aren't a good fit for me. I also have found great benefit in simply having friendships and associations with others who understand the unique personal and professional challenges of entrepreneurship and small business ownership.

For a small business professional, it is important not to limit any business size or type as the business competes and grows in the related community. Do not place your business in a box in that one does not know where a connection can take your business to the next level. 

I can only speak from my own experience and perspective but B2B connections are ALL we do. We like to say that we are the Storytellers for small companies and so by networking with small companies we learn how to communicate their stories more effectively and in a creative and results oriented manner.

Yes for sure B2B is a good fit for networking, very vital networking group for small business. We should at lease one B2B every connecting counties.

I do completely and because even if not right away there will always be that ability for those connections to contact you before someone else or to put your business out when someone is looking for what you offer.

I can't imagine where a B2B connection wouldn't be important. who doesn't need other professionals to discuss things with in a community. Many times the negative, or positive, effects of one business can be seen in other industries within a community.

I certainly do.

Yes absolutely! We all need to compare and contrast our business maps in order to work more efficiently. It's so easy to try to "reinvent the wheel" or to get sidetracked from your business plan.

Yes.