​Owning a business can sometimes be lonely, especially if you are the only senior-level person in the organization. It is hard to explain the effort, the constant attention and the burden of leadership to others. In fact, a QuickBooks survey found that more than 75% of small business owners report feeling stressed but might not want to discuss their feelings or concerns with employees

However, they are willing to open up to other business owners. Recently, I taught a class for the Small Business of Michigan Foundation to a group of business owners. During the discussion, those feelings of being alone bubbled up. Everyone seemed hungry to share experiences and get honest feedback on business initiatives. This was a two-session boot camp not designed for a long-term commitment. To my surprise, in just eight hours of class, the participants formed bonds quickly, and many exchanged info to keep in touch.

This need for peer-to-peer conversation and commiseration is real. For many, the answer is to join business groups. It seems like a good idea but do your homework. You might find that the experience does not live up to the hype, and the cost does not provide a return. I know from experience.

​Over the years, I have joined economic groups, women's forums, trade organizations and so on. The results were mixed. Today, I have connections with several organizations that are worth the time, but I want to offer a few ideas for those who are still searching.

Is it the right fit?

We all like to belong but why are you seeking a community? Do you want to know more about your industry? Want to get together with other owners to share general knowledge? Is it about networking and sales? That's great but be prepared. While you are selling them, they are selling you. Be sure the group is your preferred target market. Otherwise, it can be annoying and a waste of time.

​Many business owners join organizations offering group buying power for goods and services or various types of insurance. This levels the playing field for smaller businesses and gives them what bigger entities enjoy just because of their size. It can be a great benefit, but check out how the organization vets the member offerings. Is it simply a pay-to-play, or is there a process for finding the best value for members? And know that the offering will change over time.

Do you connect with the mission?

Every organization has a mission. Some focus on serving specific groups, such as veterans, women, minorities or particular industries. Others have a broader mission. For example, the National Small Business Association (NSBA) is a nonpartisan organization that serves all small businesses. For more than 85 years, it has advocated for small businesses and provided a way for business owners' voices to be heard.

While serving as the Board Chair for NSBA, I had the opportunity to testify before the House Committee on Small Business about the challenges that pertain to creation, sustainability, and future growth. I have participated in this organization to this very day because of its mission, which I believe in.

​One of the most important things about connecting with a mission-based organization is that they often have the time and resources to focus more deeply on the issues at hand. It is tough when you are running a business to do it all, so having the power of an organization behind you makes it more manageable.

Does the organization have a strong board and succession plan?

Organizations have a lifecycle. They build, level off and then either surge to a new level or begin to decline. The strength and resilience are often based on a great staff, a strong board and a succession plan. At one point, I was a panelist for a meeting of a local chapter of a national organization. I liked what I saw and asked about membership. To my surprise, they asked if I would join and be the next chapter president. That is not a good sign. The problem was that the local chapter was losing members and did not have a robust programming committee.

Call me crazy, but I accepted the challenge. I asked the national to relax some programming requirements and worked to stabilize the organization. We recruited new board members and put in place a solid succession plan. Today, the chapter is still operating and healthy.

Check out the board and plan for the organization. Is it vital? Growing? Is there an opportunity for you to step up and get board experience?

​Check out the cost

Most business associations are non-profits and have a variety of membership levels. A premium level gets you additional access to resources and events. You need to assess if that is valuable or if a basic membership gives you what you need. Some organizations offer free or online memberships. This gives you the chance to experience what they have to offer and then upgrade at some point.

A final thought

Over the years, I have learned a few things. The value of membership really depends on what I put into the organization. If the programming is not convenient to access, it is hard to participate, and I don't get much out of it. Some organizations were wonderful when I started my business but no longer met my current needs or did not keep it fresh.
​
Don't get stuck when you outgrow an organization. Move on. Finally, there needs to be great opportunities to meet face-to-face and virtually. The real benefit is the people that you meet. Making connections is why you join, so be sure you are excited to "get in the room" with them.



​Source: https://www.entrepreneur.com/
Image Credit: Pexels.com | Photo by Pavel Danilyuk

What is quality management? I have a simple, straightforward answer to this question. Quality management means meeting the requirements of all parties who have an interest in your business — stakeholders who have invested in your business, your customers, business partners and regulators.

ISO standards are the result of best practices that ISO member states bring together in one place to help others learn from their experience and avoid reinventing the wheel. It's not dedicated to quality management in the manufacturing sector, as many assume. ISO's role is managing knowledge through the flow of best practices already undertaken by its member states. These best practices are available in all sectors, including what I am going to discuss in this article: collaborative business relationships, or ISO 44001.

What is ISO 44001?

ISO 44001 is based on best practices that serve as a baseline for forming collaborative business relationships, whether you are an entrepreneur, an SME or a public sector and governmental agency. However, as I said, you need to see it as a baseline, and there is no doubt it should be tailored to the context of your business.

ISO 44001 is a management system. The word "system" needs to be emphasized here. What is a management system or a systematic approach in management? I have another simple, straightforward answer: A systematic approach in management means operating according to predefined processes. In other words, when you have a system implemented in your business, it doesn't matter who, what or when — everyone must follow the predefined processes at all times. You may ask, "What about specific situations?" Even in specific situations, people will follow the predefined processes designed for those particular scenarios.

The result of implementing the ISO 44001 requirements standards is a series of processes that need to be followed in forming a collaborative relationship, such as a joint venture — from determining which operations are better done jointly with other businesses to a controlled exit from the partnership.

How to initiate a collaborative business relationship

Now, I want to provide insight into initiating collaborative business relationships in accordance with the ISO 44001 requirements standard, but in a completely simplified manner. Of course, fully understanding the standard would require several books, let alone an article.

Determine and define value-added opportunities

In the first step, you need to determine and define value-added opportunities that can be achieved through collaborative working. Collaborative working means determining capacities and capabilities that can complement each other. Sometimes, you have capacities that need to be enabled by a collaborative partner who can utilize their capabilities by leveraging your capacities. In another scenario, you may have capabilities that require additional capacities beyond your own to be fully utilized. When you determine your unused capacity or capabilities, you will be able to define the scope of work that may add value if executed in a collaborative relationship. This defines the boundaries of your collaborative work.

Why do you need to determine boundaries for the work that will be done collaboratively? The point is that you enter into collaborative work when you have a goal that is beyond your own capacities and capabilities. It is critical to first utilize your own capabilities based on your own capacities to maintain your sustainability. Then, if you find unused capacities or capabilities that need to be complemented by others to create value, you can determine the scope of collaborative work outside of your own sustained operations. Be careful that collaborative work does not interfere with your sustained operations. Your sustained operations must not be impacted by the possible failure of your collaborative efforts.

Define your objectives and how you plan to achieve them

Next, what are the objectives of the determined work that could be executed in a collaborative relationship, and what is your plan to achieve them? You are focusing on a specific product (goods or services) that is beyond your current capabilities or capacities and requires complementary relationships to realize. The objective of your collaborative work is this product. You need to plan for a business that delivers your determined product as its result. This plan demonstrates all the requirements of the business and clearly shows your contribution and commitment based on your unused capacities or capabilities. It also outlines what needs to be contributed by others through a collaborative business relationship to complement yours and create value.

When it becomes clear what you want to achieve and what capacities or capabilities you have that will enable your business case, you will then be able to identify the criteria your collaborative partner needs to meet to complement you.

Prepare for negotiation

Then, you will enter into negotiations with potential collaborative partners who match your determined criteria. The business leaders you are negotiating with need to have the same level of understanding as you about what will happen. You've been driven by your own ideas to enter into a new business venture because your ideas reflect your decision-making drivers. Being well-prepared for negotiation means understanding the decision-making drivers of your potential partners.

A good relationship is one that creates value for all interested parties based on what "value" means to them. So, do enough homework to understand what "value" means for your potential partners.

Define the ownership of risk

While determining what each party will contribute and take away from the relationship, you need to clearly define the ownership of risk. Risk should be distributed among collaborative partners based on their responsibilities, which are mapped to the capacities or capabilities they contribute to the relationship.
​
Exit strategy

Finally, you need a clear exit strategy for the disengagement phase. Collaborative relationships should have a predetermined termination time based on the objectives that the collaborative work will achieve. More importantly, there should be a predetermined series of exit triggers in case of an unsuccessful working experience or unfulfilled expectations of the collaborative parties. In any case, whether termination is due to successful completion or failure, all parties need to know clearly who owns what. Everything, from tangible or intangible assets to debts, should have a predetermined owner based on the business case and risk ownership in place.



Source: https://www.entrepreneur.com/
Image Credit: https://www.entrepreneur.com/

Knowing what to say is a big part of being successful at a networking event. Opening lines are important conversation starters. But that’s just one way to start an interesting conversation with a stranger. Here’s everything that you need to know that leads to a business connection.

Why Conversation Starters are So Important

An effective conversation starter establishes common ground with that other person. This is small talk that can lead to more B2B networking for you. If done right, a conversation can generate genuine interest in what you’ve got to sell.
The right conversation starters are sales techniques.

Tips for Starting a Conversation at Networking Events

But you need to know how to start a conversation at one of these events. Following are 7 things that will lead to a good first impression.

The Right Body Language Leads to a Conversation

Non verbal cues foster an engaging conversation. Research suggests stance is essential. Don't slouch. You’ll look tentative. Body language compliments your conversation.

Proximity is important for good conversations. You need to be close enough to talk but not crowd.

Finding Common Ground

Getting over that first awkward silence is easier with some small talk. Talk shop with the other person to get started in your conversation.

Maintain Eye Contact For Great Conversations

An essential aspect of any engaging conversation is maintaining eye contact, as it demonstrates genuine interest. This serves as a significant physical conversation starter.

Asking Follow-Up Questions

Create meaningful connections by using effective conversation starters. A subsequent conversation should include follow-up questions. Inquire about the other person’s experiences and background to deepen the discussion.

An excellent conversation begins with a mutual interest in each other.

Steering Clear of Conversations on Conversational Topics

Avoid a bad conversation starter. Like these topics that foster social anxiety.

• Current events.
• Politics
• Complaints about work

Generally don’t talk about things you don’t like. Not a good way to jump into a conversation. Don’t jump in with deep topics right away. Leave those peer reviewed studies alone at first.

Ways to Start a Conversation at Face-to-Face Networking Events

It is more effective to concentrate on the best conversation starters. Below are 8 methods on how to start a conversation effectively when you’re in person.

Introduce Yourself

This serves as an excellent conversation starter. One of the simplest ways to engage someone in dialogue is to prepare a brief description. This marks the start of a typical conversation.

Hi, I’m so and so. I’m from Chicago, and my company is ACNE widgets.

Go For A Walk

Deep conversations start when people walk together, especially on the way to the next panel or discussion. This is a great way to get to know the other person.

I’m on my way to the noon panel. Care to join me?

Comment on the decor on the way. It’s another way to start a conversation.

Mention A Favorite Food

You’ll have one thing in common with every other party at an event. The food. It can make for excellent conversation.

Have you tried these sandwiches? They’re delicious.

Start a conversation on your other favorites.

Share a Light Headline

A few tips for using this one. News about a sports team can work. Great conversation starters leave politics out.

Did you read about that game last night?

A positive current event is another great conversation starter.

Compliment the Other Person

These are great conversation openers. A sincere compliment works when it’s specific.

That coat looks really great on you.

Mention a Detail

A positive remark and/or positive comment about the event works. A new conversational partner might be a stranger. Except for the fact you belong to an entire group. Here’s how to get a conversation going.

That last speaker made some good points. What do you think?

Keep Your Right Hand Free

Any conversation needs to include a handshake. Keep your right hand free when landing a new conversation partner.
​
Hello. It’s nice to meet you.

Most people will admit they paid attention to someone starting conversations this way.

Begin With the Weather

Pay attention to what’s going on outside. Real life situations like the weather are a great way to get a conversation started.

This rain is really something, isn’t it?

You can even reference a previous conversation.

I was just talking with someone about how cold it is.

How to Start a Conversation at Online Networking Events

A conversation flow naturally happens when two people are face to face with some help. But more and more people need good conversation starters as well as small talk and business networking tips for Internet meetings. Here are eight ways to start a conversation at an online event. These are digital small talk tips to engage a conversation partner.

Do Some Research

A little research will help you start a conversation. Get a list of attendees to the virtual event before hand. Below is one of the best conversation starters.

“Hello—. I read your profile before the event and wondered if we could have a conversation. You did a great job on your recent project.

Flattery leads to a conversation.

Make Sure To Engage

Online events often feature discussions and quizzes. To learn how to start a conversation, consider asking open-ended questions such as:

“What do others think of that last speaker? I’m interested to know.”

Starting a conversation can also center around what attendees enjoy doing in their free time. It’s important to avoid controversial topics, so encourage the other person to share their hobbies instead.

What is everyone’s favorite TV show?

Ask A Day to Day Life Question

There’s room for talking and conversation with a person before a meeting starts. Ask a question to get a conversation started around personal information.

What family members do you respect the most?

A person’s family is a good conversation starter that works. Most people like to talk about the person closest to them.

Ask About Social Events

A decent conversation can start around a favorite movie. Or get attendees talking about music.

What’s the best concert you’ve ever been to?

The arts are excellent conversation starters, especially if a person has a business that focuses in that area.

Ask Them To Describe Their Mood

Exploring their expert knowledge will come later in the event. To break the ice, ask new friends about their mood. A conversation starter could involve discussing their social life or sharing their own writing about how they feel on a Zoom whiteboard. While this may not constitute a full conversation, it serves as an effective icebreaker.

“Who is in a good mood today? Take a deep breath and describe it.”

This conversation works wonders. It gets the other person to talk about themselves.

Register on the Community Board

Find a new conversational partner to talk with before the event starts. A community board can lead to a personal text conversation. People also love “talking” through messaging on the boards too.

“I’m looking for some more tips on how to get the most from this event. Contact me at ….”

Post on Your Website Pre-Event

Put a notice up that you’ve registered for the event and are looking for a conversation partner. Look for someone to talk to on Twitter , LinkedIn and Facebook too.

Take Advantage of Real-Time Messaging

Use real-time messaging as topics are presented to get more details from another person. This way of starting a conversation builds trust. You show the other person you value their opinions. Mutual respect is a great conversation starter.

Use these Conversation Starters to Have a Great Networking Event

Now you have an overview on how to start a conversation. Talking with another person at an online or brick and mortar event can make a difference. Maybe you’re looking for a new job. Or have a person talk about their needs so you can make a sale.

Either way a conversation helps to further your goals. The more people at events talk, the more the conversations benefit your business. And if you have a hard time doing so, look into ways to help you, such as networking for introverts.



​Source: https://smallbiztrends.com/
Image Credit: Depositphotos