If you’re a small business owner, chances are that you’ve been given the advice to NETWORK.
Networking is a fantastic way to create relationships with other business owners, gain opportunities, and build a solid reputation within your industry. It truly can help take your business to the next level.
However, networking can be an intimidating and challenging part of the small business gig, especially if you’re new to it. The global pandemic certainly hasn’t made this any easier either.
But here’s the thing: Networking is a skill. This means that you can improve your ability to be a successful networker.
If you are curious about how to get better at networking – and you want the special secret to networking – then keep reading. Check out our tips and tricks on how to network as a small business owner.
Types of Networking
First things first, not all networking events are the same. So being strategic and intentional about where you spend your time is important.
Check out these common types of networking.
Happy Hour Networking
Happy Hour Networking is pretty much just as it sounds. It’s networking during Happy Hour! It is usually going to revolve around food, drink, and socialization. If you are new to networking and a bit shy, Happy Hour Networking can feel overwhelming because the goal is to be very social with those at the event.
Usually, these events are among other business owners, so it is a great place to make connections. And sometimes you’ll even meet future clients.
Networking Groups
Networking Groups are a more formal version of networking and sometimes require a monthly or quarterly fee to be involved.
If you decide to go this route, be sure to find a group that is a good fit for you.
There are great benefits of joining a networking group, such as forming close bonds with other small business owners, gaining lots of word-of-mouth customers, and staying open to opportunities passed throughout the group.
Conferences
Who loves a good conference?! While each industry will have a different flair, conferences are an intense but fun way to immerse yourself amongst peers within your industry.
There are usually lots of learning opportunities and plenty of ways to meet a variety of new people.
Industry Specific Workshops
Workshops are a great place to start networking if you’re a beginner. Not only are workshops a great place to absorb new information, but they are the shy person’s ticket to confidence. Since workshops focus on a presenter(s) for the majority of the time, it takes the pressure off of having to be social the entire time. Start off by mingling before and after the workshop to get a hang of it.
Looking for network opportunities but not sure where to find them? Explore Meetup.com, Eventbrite, or the Chamber of Commerce. Type in your interests to the search bar and begin filtering through your search.
Online
Let’s face it: it’s hard to be everywhere at once. That’s where the good ol’ internet comes in handy. Social networking sites, such as LinkedIn, Facebook Groups, and Online Conference opportunities, can ease the stress of constantly attending networking events.
Best Tips & Tricks of Networking
Now that we’ve talked about the most common types of events, let’s talk about how to make the most of each event you attend.
- Establish Your Goal
Are you looking to make lasting connections with other business owners? Gain knowledge in your industry? Directly meet potential customers? Establishing your goals is going to help you navigate through the networking process by helping you choose events that will fulfill your goals.
For example, if your goal is to create connections with other business owners, then a Happy Hour with other business owners is the way to go. If you are hoping to learn a little while you network, look for a workshop or conference. And if you are looking to meet face to face with potential customers, signing up for a booth at a relevant tradeshow or conference is up your alley. - Choose Appropriate Events
Time is money, right?! When you first start out with networking, there will be some trial and error when it comes to choosing the right networking events for you and your business. You might attend an event that really doesn’t click or isn’t what you were hoping for. That’s ok! Do the best you can in that situation and try a different event next time. - The (Dreaded) Elevator Pitch
At the end of the day, your Elevator Pitch is not the end all be all of networking…But it is important to be able to clearly and succinctly articulate your business and its services. If you are not able to confidently -and quickly- answer the “So what do you do?” question, people are not going to take you and your business seriously.
There are many ways to create an elevator pitch, so to get started, here’s one example:
I help (Your Ideal Client) solve (Their Problem) by offering (Your Service). - Ice Breakers
The first impression is always the hardest. Find some ice breakers that feel natural for you. TIP: A really easy way to start a conversation with a stranger is to give them a compliment. - Give negativity the back seat….
Speaking poorly of previous places of employment, spilling the tea about past coworkers, and oversharing personal info might be a fun conversation over a couple of glasses of wine with your besties…but keep it out of networking.
When meeting people in this setting, make sure to go in with confidence, class, and professionalism. - Exchange Info and Follow Up!
After meeting people at networking events, make sure to exchange business cards, find each other on LinkedIn, or exchange contact info in some way.
Then, it’s important to follow up with these connections! It is the key to making lasting relationships. It could be as simple as sending them a reference they have been looking for, forwarding them an article, inviting them to a seminar or conference, or sending a Happy Holidays message.
The Secret to Networking
Many people think that the best way to network is to go in fast and furious with an elevator pitch and to talk themselves up to the max. While that tactic might work here and there, many might find that approach disingenuous and self-centered.
A better approach is to go in with the goal of creating trusting relationships and to find ways to help the people that you are meeting…and not necessarily with your business.
“Although many people associate networking with asking for favors, successful networkers know that networking is not all about them. Networking in business is about creating trusting relationships and friendships with other businesspeople.
A key part of effective networking is helping other businesspeople with their needs. That’s why you’ll find that the best networkers are often connectors who help others by referring customers, providing testimonials, or helping to promote events and other businesses in some way.” -Source
If you are able to approach another business owner by helping them with their business, chances are they will see you as a helpful, reliable ally and return the favor.
Through word-of-mouth, your new ally will help build your reputation for being trustworthy, resourceful, and supportive.
Looking to build your business through networking? Let Haven help.
Want to know another great way to build connections? Join a coworking space, like Haven Collective.
At Haven, we have curated a diverse, supportive, and successful community of business owners, freelancers, and solopreneurs.
Through Monthly Signature Events, Peer Mastermind Groups, and flexible memberships, connecting with other like-minded people has never been easier at Haven Collective.
If you are looking to build your business AND create lasting connections, click below to see if Haven Collective is the next step for you!
Short Summary:
If you are curious how to get better at networking – and you want the special secret to networking – then keep reading! Check out our trips and tricks on how to network as a small business owner!
Longer Summary:
If you’re a small business owner, chances are that you’ve been given the advice to NETWORK!
Networking is a fantastic way to create relationships with other business owners, gain opportunities, and build a solid reputation within your industry. It truly can help you take your business to the next level!
However, networking can be an intimidating and challenging part of the small business gig, especially if you’re new to it.
But here’s the thing: Networking is a skill. Which means that you can improve your ability to be a successful networker!
If you are curious how to get better at networking – and you want the special secret to networking – then keep reading! Check out our trips and tricks on how to network as a small business owner!
Want to know another great way to build connections? Join a coworking space, like Haven Collective!
At Haven, we have curated a diverse, supportive, and successful community of business owners, freelancers, and solopreneurs.
Through Monthly Signature Events, Peer Mastermind Groups, and flexible memberships, connecting with other like-minded people has never been easier at Haven Collective.
If you are looking to build your business AND create lasting connections, click below to see if Haven Collective is the next step for you!