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