As a business owner, it’s easy to feel like you’re on an island. You make the decisions, you are the marketing department, and the customer service rep all rolled into one. You spend your days staring at a screen or managing operations, often forgetting that some of your best growth opportunities are sitting just a few miles away in the minds of other local entrepreneurs.
If you’ve been looking for a way to spark new growth, it’s time to stop working in your business for an afternoon and start working on it.
That’s why I want to talk about the power of local networking—specifically, the U.P. and N.E.W. Networking group.
The “Hidden” Benefits of Networking
We all know the obvious reason to network: Referrals. And yes, getting your name in front of people who can recommend you is vital. But the real “magic” happens in the stuff you don’t see on a spreadsheet:
- The Brain Trust Effect: Ever had a business problem you couldn’t solve? At a networking meeting, you aren’t just talking to salespeople. You’re talking to a room full of consultants, retailers, and service providers who have been exactly where you are.
- Local Credibility: People do business with people they know, like, and trust. Showing up consistently at U.P. and N.E.W. meetings proves you are an active, invested member of our local economy.
- Collaboration over Competition: You’d be surprised how often a web designer, a photographer, and a social media manager can team up to provide a “triple threat” service to a client. Networking turns “competitors” into “partners.”
Why U.P. and N.E.W. Networking is Different
If the word “networking” makes you think of stuffy suits and forced elevator pitches, think again. The U.P. and N.E.W. Networking group (serving the Upper Peninsula and Northeast Wisconsin areas) is built on a foundation of community and genuine support.
It’s a space where:
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The Atmosphere is Welcoming: Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just launched your LLC yesterday, there’s a seat for you.
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Connections are Real: It’s not about how many business cards you can collect; it’s about the conversations that happen over coffee.
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Growth is Collective: When one local business wins, we all win.
My Story: From Solo Founder to Community-Connected
My name is Marla Bradley, and I’m the owner of North Country Website Design. For the first 13 years of my business, I was largely running things on my own. When I received an invitation to a local business networking meeting, I’ll be honest—I wasn’t sure what to expect. I decided to go just to see how it went.
That single decision changed the trajectory of my career.
From that very first meeting, the potential was clear. I saw exactly how genuine networking could translate into new website clients. But the results were even faster than I imagined: In just over a year of attending weekly meetings, I doubled my business.
However, the growth wasn’t just in my bank account. I gained an entire “brain trust” of local experts. At every meeting, I picked up something new—I found a reliable optometrist, a tax pro I could trust, and even tips on how to dress for success.
Joining a networking group didn’t just help me grow as a business owner; it helped me grow as a person. I went from being a “solo-preneur” to being part of a thriving local ecosystem.
Ready to Join Us?
You don’t need a polished speech or a fancy suit to attend. You just need a passion for what you do and a willingness to meet some of the most innovative people in our region.
When: First and Third Monday of every month. Where: Location varies, call Marla at 906-367-5404 for location.
I’ll be at the next meeting, and I’d love to introduce you around. Networking isn’t just about selling; it’s about building the support system every business owner deserves.
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