Many entrepreneurs see working at home as advantageous.

Not only can they save money because they’re not paying rent for an office or manufacturing space, but the idea of flexible schedules and blending their work and personal life is appealing.

“Home-based businesses have been a mainstay in our economic system,” says Glenn Muske, North Dakota State University Extension Service rural and agribusiness enterprise development specialist. “These businesses represent our earliest form of business and remain today an important part of our communities.”

Yet operating from one’s home does involve certain disadvantages. One of the major hurdles is that the business owner is out of the mainstream business community.

“This means the owner not only suffers from a lack of visibility, but he or she often has fewer chances to develop a professional network,” Muske says. “That network is often a crucial lifeline for the home-based business owner.”

Home-based business owners have several ways to build awareness of their company and form ties with other professionals.

“A key first step is to join the local chamber of commerce,” Muske says. “This group and the events it sponsors are often key gathering places for business professionals.”

Some of the first events they may want to consider attending are business fairs or trade shows where business owners gather. However, to network effectively, business owners must attend with a goal in mind, such as what new information they would like to gather or who they would like to meet. Here are some things Muske recommends business owners do while attending these events:

• Walk the aisles with your business cards.
• Take time to introduce yourself and make plans to meet at another time for a longer discussion.
• Watch how others “work” the room.
• Attend any lectures and gather information.

Other ways business colleagues meet include joining and being active in community and civic organizations. However, while attendance is a good first step, business owners also need to offer their services and look for leadership roles.

Area business trade groups are another means to learn and make contacts. Muske suggests business owners contact the professionals they deal with on a regular basis, such as their banker, accountant, lawyer and insurance representative.

“Ask what organizations they belong to and their thoughts on the best organizations for you,” he says. “Ask them if you can go with them to one or two meetings. Not only can you learn more about the groups, but you have a mentor who can make introductions and help tell others your story.”

And do not forget to form alliances with complementary businesses.

“Remember, the purpose of these events is networking,” Muske says. “Your focus is making contacts, forming relationships and spreading the word about your business; it’s not about making sales.”

For more information about networking for home-based businesses, contact your local Extension office, call Glenn Muske at (701) 328-9718 or go online to http://www.eXtension.org.

NDSU Agriculture Communication