What Recession? The Value of Networking in W.Va.

Written by Brian Alcorn on November 26, 2008

During a recent meeting of businesspeople in Morgantown, there was some discussion about the struggling economy. However, more emphasis was placed on methods to help each other cultivate opportunities, with less attention on gloom-and-doom thinking. 

Networking expert Ivan Misner recently suggested at Entrepreneur.com that he would “refuse to participate in a recession.” This doesn’t mean putting your head in the sand. Instead, simply focus on what you have control over so that your business is not at the mercy of uncontrollable forces—like a down-turned economy.

During this meeting, two real estate executives discussed their economic outlook. Despite the condition of their industry, they projected sustained growth in 2009, and attributed such to the professional relationships they had worked to develop, which often lead to increased business. 

You can’t hide from a recession, but it’s fully within your control to develop mutually-beneficial professional relationships. In your experience, how important are business relationships to weathering out an economic storm? Someone out there is positive about the opportunities that exist in the upcoming New Year, right?

~ Alcorn is an executive director with BNI. 

Posted in Business, Economy