Recently I had the opportunity to attend two networking functions sponsored by my local; Better Business Bureau (BBB). Both the morning and evening functions were very beneficial and eye opening, in part, because I had never thought of my local BBB as a networking organization. I now have a new networking venue, and so do you.

The BBB is a great resource for networkers like us. They are an unbiased organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses that earn BBB accredited business status contractually agree and adhere to the organization’s high standards of ethical business behavior. BBB provides objective advice, free business Reliability Reports and charity Wise Giving Reports, and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. To further promote trust, BBB also offers complaint and dispute resolution support for consumers and businesses when there is difference in viewpoints. Founded in 1912, about 130 BBBs serve communities across the U.S. and Canada, evaluating and monitoring more than 3 million local and national businesses and charities. Each bureau is a separate corporation. The Council of Better Business Bureaus is located in Arlington, VA. issues charters for local bureaus, provides support services and monitors adherence to standard guidelines.

In the southern plains area in which I report for I found that the Better Business Bureau of Southern Colorado is very active in providing networking opportunities for its members. This BBB bureau is based in Colorado Springs, Colorado and is dedicated to promoting a relationship between businesses and consumers through public education. Covering a mountainous 25 county area in southern Colorado, they maintain reliability reports on more than 30,000 area businesses, for consumers and businesses to access information about a company’s history and membership status in order to help in making educated decision before making a purchase.

Diane Stevens, Director of the BBB Foundation, told me that they “offer opportunities to BBB accredited businesses to obtain training and gain exposure to other BBB accredited businesses” The two main networking functions sponsored by this bureau are “Buzz With The B’S” and “Community Business After Hours”.

BUZZ WITH THE B'S, hosted by the local BBB and Business Network International (BNI), is a monthly networking breakfast. You need not be member of either group to attend. Each month, they have an educational speaker to present attendees with tools that will help develop their business. You can then “buzz” with peers, network, grow your business and expand your horizons. It is held the Second Friday of every month from 7:15 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

The COMMUNITY BUSINESS AFTER HOURS, held on the third Thursday of each month, begins with a free networking clinic from 4:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., and then networking is from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. This event allows BBB members to both learn the finer point of networking and then network with members of the Apartment Association, the Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce, eWomenNetwork, Experience Colorado Springs at Pikes Peak, the Fountain Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Manitou Chamber of Commerce, the Pikes Peak Association of Realtors, the Southern Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce and the Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce. The goals of this function are to stimulate business in a casual networking atmosphere.

The BBB of Southern Colorado also encourages members to network in the various Home & Garden Shows around its service area in which it has booth space. Plus, there are many sub-networking groups of BBB members in the many suburbs covered by this BBB, some as far away as 160 miles from Colorado Springs.

For additional information on how you can participate in the networking activities of the Better Business Bureau of Southern Colorado feel free to visit www.bbbsc.org. No matter where you live, visit your local BBB to learn is how it is promoting networking in your community.

 

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