by Trina L. Grant

Created on: October 09, 2009

Effective networking is an essential element to the initial aggrandizement, expansion and extant success of a business. The electronic business card has all but replaced the age-old wallet-sized heavy vellum of days gone by, yet the integral aspects of a successful business remain the same. A broad network of peers and professionals will compliment an expansive market base and dependable supply chain. A business or corporation must have an effective networking scheme, or it has no hope for survival in the cutthroat world of corporate ferocity. There is a bevy of methods of networking, and bright young minds think up brand new ones every day. There stands alone, however, a distinct group of time-tested core techniques. While some of the concepts are more innovative than others are, they have proved themselves sustainable forthwith and thus are worth mentioning.

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, TRADE UNIONS & OTHER BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS

The entrepreneur of yesteryear made himself readily known to the Chamber of Commerce and other business organizations in the area where he wished to do business. Even in the era of e-commerce, local trade and service organizations have their functions. The value of personal contact should never be underestimated. Any businessperson worth their salt will learn to hone their 'people skills' so they are able to present a viable, professional appearance to any potential customers, clients and colleagues.

The murky realm of the pros and cons of unions notwithstanding, trade and professional unions can present excellent opportunities for networking with other professionals in like vocations. There are unions that require their members to adhere to a certain sets of standards. For instance, a psychiatrists' association might require its members to be board certified psychiatrists, and not merely interested in the subject of psychiatry. There are various levels of membership requirements from stringent to more amenable, something to suit every taste.

Some unions function more as guilds, with a small membership fee, or none at all. These loosely organized associations add allure to the social aspect of free enterprise sodality. Many of these associations operate concurrently as something rather like a fraternity, often engaging in social and cooperative commitments, such as fund-raising and other charitable activities, as well as community improvement projects. Affiliations such as the Lions' and Rotary Clubs provide opportunities for their members

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