Here are just a handful of opportunities available through my local "biz journal":

Networking event: Each month, my local biz journal hosts Breakfast with Business First at a local business. Hundreds of people attend these events to make new contacts and build relationships with the newspaper staff.

Awards: Each year, Business First solicits applications from qualified local businesses for a variety of recognitions. Many of the company-based awards are broken down into small, medium and large-sized categories. Each award has a special ceremony for the finalist companies and a special (paid) luncheon with a keynote speaker that is open to the public. Recognition topics include:

• Corporate Caring
• 40-Under-40
• Fast 50
• Best Places to Work

Book of Lists: The Book of Lists is a directory collated of lists of businesses that are rated and ranked by industry, size, and revenue, among other criteria. Each week, the paper will publish one list from the book. The book contains great information that can be used for business research, sales and marketing endeavors. You can purchase a print copy or downloadable version that includes a list of contacts that can be imported into several contact management systems. If you want to review a copy before making an investment, visit your local library. The reference department normally has several issues on hand.

Online directories: These web-based resources are growing in number. For a nominal fee, you can advertise in these directories, which get happen to be pushed out from your respective city's publication to its email lists. These online directories are organized by niches and include:

• Appsmart: a listing of local business apps
• Biz coach: a directory of business coaches in your local area
• Biz bookology: a listing of local authors and their business titles
• Blogosphere: a listing of local business bloggers
• Health Hub: a listing a local wellness providers
• Solopreneurs: a directory of local single-owned businesses
• Speakerspace: a directory of local professional speakers

Small business expo: This annual event gives locally owned organizations the opportunity to expand its outreach and garner new business leads.

Workshops: Throughout the year, the publication offers a variety of "how to" workshops, such as making use of the Book of Lists, getting coverage in the paper and using social media.

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