Cochrane businesses can get together to share and network on a monthly basis.

The Cochrane Business Network connects owners, mamnagers, and staff from a variety of businesses around town.

Jim Messner, founder of the Business Network says, in order to be successful you need to build great relationships.

"It is about networking, business in today's world is all about relationships. In a town the size of Cochrane it is an opportrunity for people in business to get to know each other."

Shelly Kramer, Director of the Business Network says, in a downturned economy networking is important.

"I think it's important for them to share their stories and communicate with eachother and maybe reach out and gather ideas from eachother. One person might have a great idea that will work for another, basically having that discussion with like minded people."

Messner says the Business Network offers more than just networking opportunities, the group also holds regular workshops.

"We bring people in and we actually teach something, just last month we had on one LinkedIn and how best to build your profile. There are actually some we bring instructors in on, other one's are guest speakers that provide good information."

Kramer adds that since the Business Network relaunch last June, numbers are steadily growing.

"It has been growing by word of mouth, and we have a good following on Facebook, we have a good foollowing with our registered memebers that get our news lteter every month."

Messner and Kramer agree that once a relationship is formed, things lik cross promoton and marketing can be benficial to both parties.

"I think we are stronger in numbers when we have eachother, if one person is struggling it helps to know that other people are struggling as well.

The Business Network meets every second Tuesday of the month at 7:15 am in the Cochrane Toyota Community Room; cost is $10 and includes breakfast. For more information on the Business Network, you will find it here.