Here are the results of a survey of nearly 1,500 small business owners. No surprises for the three top-ranked marketing channels for ROI.  This is certainly true for my training business, and I'm about to get really serious this year with Linkedin.  What works for you?

Breakfast meetings are a struggle ‘cause I don’t eat breakfast (save that debate for another post).  

The rigid mandate to attend every single meeting is not possible for me; I travel a lot.  
And I’ve been to networking events where complete strangers have shoved business cards into my face (that’s what it felt like).  Yes, we are all there to make contacts, but let’s not make it quite so shameless.

Genuine human contact does matter and that’s why I like Schmooze.  Always a warm greeting when one enters followed by introductions to others as the event 'schmoozes' on with refreshments, laughter and the sharing of business ideas and cards (if there is a connection, it's not an expectation).

As a Corporate Strategies Trainer, much of my time is spent in front of rooms full of managers and their teams.  
My specialties are Leadership and Communication Life Skills, vital skills for the success of any venture.  
The lack of effective communication is, in my opinion, the root cause of much conflict and unhappiness.

Considering my profession, it may be surprising to hear I have a tendency to be an Introvert, and that’s one of the reasons networking has been such a struggle. 

Thank you Phillip Jones for founding and growing Schmooze.  As I walked up that staircase to your Schmooze event last night, I was NOT thinking “Oh no, here we go again.”  And as always, I met some interesting and entertaining business people.  It was a fun evening, enhanced by the possibility of future business opportunities.

Victoria Rose
victoriarose@training2live.com.au

Corporate Strategies Trainer
Leader of events for Women Over 50 STILL Fabulous