| If you're the owner of a small business and | | | | |
| have limited resources, use | | | | traffic (or at least more publicity or |
| | | | exposure) for each member.Co-ops are also |
| the power of numbers to obtain more | | | | helpful when you would like to join |
| customers or clients. Create an | | | | professional |
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| informal co-op.Creating such a co-op is | | | | organizations but can't afford the dues by |
| simple. First, make a list of other small | | | | yourself. Join as a co-op and |
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| business owners you know personally, trust, | | | | you'll probably get membership benefits for |
| and respect. On your list, | | | | at least several of your |
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| include some businesses that have products | | | | members. Join several different |
| or services similar to yours | | | | organizations so that each co-op |
| | | | |
| and others that provide very different | | | | member can enjoy membership in at least one |
| ones.All of these small business owners | | | | organization of his or |
| probably have limited resources, too. | | | | |
| | | | her choice.Here are some examples of the |
| Arrange a meeting with several of these | | | | types of businesses that would make |
| owners and sit down together at | | | | |
| | | | good co-ops:Car dealerships - car washes - |
| a relaxing location (like a coffee shop or | | | | auto parts storesChildcare centers - |
| bookstore) to discuss how you | | | | children's bookstores - children's clothing |
| | | | storesGraphic designers - freelance writers - |
| could all benefit from an informal | | | | small printing companiesAnimal clinics - pet |
| cooperative (co-op, for short).For example, | | | | stores - pet grooming centersAdvertising |
| do you all attend trade shows for your | | | | agencies - specialty food stores - gift |
| businesses? Could | | | | basket companiesFreelance writers - gift |
| | | | stores - day spasAre you beginning to get |
| you share a booth with one or two of these | | | | some ideas?Start thinking about creating a |
| other small business owners | | | | business co-op and you'll probably think |
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| to cut the cost of a booth? Do all of you | | | | of many other cost-saving and |
| have web sites for your | | | | service-sharing ways to fit your particular |
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| companies? If so, it would be easy to create | | | | needs.Create an informal co-op, then sit |
| a blog for your co-op, with | | | | back and watch your business |
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| links to the web site of each co-op member. | | | | grow.Suzanne Lieurance is a freelance |
| Then, each member could | | | | writer, children's author, writing |
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| take a turn updating the blog, which should | | | | coach, and small business owner. |
| result in increased web site | | | | |