Small Business Boomers

I decided to retire over a year ago.  Now I’m reconsidering. I’m still leaving my former employer, but I’m looking for other job opportunities.  No sense sitting around watching the market; I need to get out there and make some money.

If you have decided to go back to work or start a new company, you’ll need to flex your networking muscles and re-establish networking contacts with people who can help you or with potential customers.  Here are some suggestions to help you get re-energized with the networking game:

1. If you are looking for a job, try one of the online job sites, like Workforce50 or RetireeJobs.  Monster.com and other traditional job sites are also possibilities.

2.  If you are looking for a local job or considering starting a local business, here are some suggestions for networking:

• Join a business networking group, like Business Networking International (BNI).  Or join/re-join Toastmasters, the public speaking organization.  Not only will your membership in Toastmasters gain you valuable speaking opportunities, it will give you some great networking possibilities.  My Toastmasters membership has helped me meet people who are involved in the local business community and I am developing a network of contacts on whom I can call to discuss writing work.
• Go to church, join a social group or a hobby group.  In other words, get out there and meet people. You can’t network if you just sit at home.
• Re-connect with old business contacts.  Dig out that business phone book that you almost threw away, or pull out your old Rolodex(R) and call people.  Invite them to lunch.

Next, how to make the most of business networking events.

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