Networking is imperative to business success and growth. Your network can bring you knowledge and skills that you would pay serious money for if you have to hire a consultant. It is also the best way to find strategic partners.

Consider creating a business network / think-tank composed of your immediate business neighborhood. Try to get them all involved in growing the group as a whole and your respective businesses will grow as a result of that.

Try to meet for a business breakfast on a regular basis.
This can be once a week, month, quarter or whatever timeframe you decide. I suggest breakfast because it is a time that is almost never booked for anything else. Another thought is to consider the ones that may have families and children. A Saturday BBQ can be a great think to invite them to and let them bring the families. This will often help your network of small business peoples overcome the “no time for family” problem and do business at the same time.

By doing this, you can share ideas, discuss current issues and come up with joint effort solutions. Sharing the cost of marketing efforts, security, upkeep etc. can be a great relief on the budget.