Using MeetUp.com to Find A Small Business Support Group

Everyone knows you have to work hard to run a small business.  You wear every hat, run the finances, the inventory, work flow, and business growth, all while making sure every bill gets paid.  Over the years (34 and counting) that I've been in business I've found business help and advice in many different places including SCORE and small business groups like the West Brighton LDC. In today's blog I'm going to talk about one of the helpful business groups I belong to that I found through MeetUp.com 

Meetup.com "is a service used to organize online groups that host in-person events for people with similar interests."  Go to their website and you'll find everything from groups devoted to a hobby, to people having fun, and groups devoted to helping businesses grow.  The meetup I find most useful is The Greater NYC Area eBay eCommerce Sellers Meetup Group run by Kathy Terrill.  It meets once a month and focuses on eBay issues and selling but also covers other marketplaces and issues facing small business in general.  It's great to meet with my peers, run through ideas and projects, and get the latest updates. 

 Use search on Meetup.com to find a business group in your area. Use search terms like "small business" and "ecommerce" to narrow the list down. Many eBay sellers run groups that are useful to join even if you don't sell on eBay because they cover lots of small business topics.    If you can't find a group, consider starting one.   Remember, you get out what you put in.  Most of these groups are run by volunteers so your participation and input is what keeps them going. 

Next week's blog will cover Master Mind Groups.