Top Five Tips for Small Business Networking Success
According to Google, networking is “the action or process of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts.” In simple, that means interacting with other humans to connect and build relationships. That’s why networking is key to being successful with your small business.
But why is networking so important?
Why It’s Important to Network
Networking is one of the most important things you can do for your career. It’s how you make connections, learn about new opportunities, and build relationships with other professionals. You’re able to learn from others' experiences and grow with knowledge.
One of the best things about being a small business is that you have the opportunity to connect with other companies on a more personal level. You can build relationships with them, and when it comes time to do business, they’re much more likely to be interested.
But it can be tough to know where to start. So keep reading to find out how you can be successful with networking.
How to Be Successful with Networking
Networking is essential to success in any field. It’s how you make connections, form relationships, and find opportunities. But, networking can be intimidating, especially if you don’t know where to start.
Here are a few tips to help you be successful with networking:
Choose a goal
When you go to a networking event, what is your goal? Is it to make new connections? To learn about new businesses? Get leads? Maybe find partners?
Knowing your goal is essential to networking effectively. If you don't have a plan, you'll be more likely to wander around aimlessly and not get anything out of the event.
Your goal should determine which events you attend, what you say to people, and how you act. For example, if your goal is to find new partners, you’ll want to aim for events based on your industry.
Look for the right people
When looking to network, it’s crucial to find the right people to connect with. Of course, not everyone you meet will be a valuable connection. When seeking out new relationships, look for individuals who have influence and knowledge in your industry or field.
The best way to find the right people to network with is to think about your goals and objectives. Who will help you achieve your goals? Then connect with those people to get the most benefit out of your networking.
Bring a right-hand man
Networking events are a great way to make connections and expand your professional network. However, they can be intimidating if you don't know many people there. One way to make networking events more fun and less scary is to bring a friend who may not know many people either. Having someone there with you will help you feel more comfortable and make it easier to meet new people.
In addition, bringing someone without any ties to your industry can be helpful. They may have a different perspective or be able to connect you with people outside of your usual circle. Try to choose someone outgoing and friendly, so they can help keep conversations going, but your introverted friends will help just as much.
Always follow up
Most people think networking is all about meeting new people and handing out business cards. While that’s part of it, networking is really about building relationships. And, as we all know, relationships are built on communication.
That’s why it’s important to always follow up with the people you meet at networking events. Thank them for their time, ask them a question about their business, or offer to help them with something. If you stay in touch, you’ll be top of mind when they need your services or know someone who does.
When following up make sure you:
Follow up within a day
Make it personal
Offer to help
Set up a meeting
Keep attending events
You should always continue attending networking events no matter how successful you become. Why? Because your business will always need new customers, and the best way to find new customers is to meet them in person.
Networking events can help you improve your business skills. You’ll learn how to pitch your business, sell yourself, and make connections with other business owners. Plus, you never know who you might meet at an event. It could be a potential customer, partner, or even employee.
The Best Networking Events to Help You Grow Your Business
Networking is great for any business, especially for small businesses. But how do you know which companies are right for you?
Check out these different types of events to see if you find one you like:
Happy hour meetups
Happy hour meetups are a great way to get to know other professionals in your industry and make connections. It’s an easy way to get to know people in a very relaxed atmosphere and let loose after a long day.
With happy hour meetings, the host will rent out a portion of a bar/restaurant for the networking event. The networkers then come to have drinks and appetizers while talking with other business owners or professionals. The host may give a short speech and ask you to introduce yourself or your business.
Industry-specific seminars
Networking events are a valuable resource for meeting people in your industry and getting your name out there. However, only attending general events that don’t offer the opportunity to learn about your specific industry may leave you feeling discouraged. Instead, try attending industry-specific seminars to get the most out of your networking events.
The host may plan time before the seminar starts where you are able to chat and discuss with other professionals. After, there is a seminar where an industry expert teaches you about an important topic or new trends in your industry. You can find these seminars by following or subscribing to news outlets or experts in your field.
Conferences/trade shows
Conferences and trade shows are excellent marketing opportunities and can be great networking events for you to try for your small business.
Tradeshows are where businesses in a particular industry meet together and present their products or services. Businesses can sponsor a booth in a large expo center where people interested in you can walk up and talk to you about your business.
A conference is sometimes added on to a tradeshow as well. It consists of various seminars and speeches about the specific industry that you can sit and learn from.
Both events give you a chance to connect with other professionals and learn from one another.
Speed networking
Speed networking is an excellent way for professionals to connect with other professionals in a quick environment. Much like speed dating, you have a set amount of time with each individual to talk about you and your business. You’re able to have a quick chat, give them your elevator pitch, and hear about their business as well.
The speed of these can feel overwhelming and chaotic if you aren’t ready, so make sure your prepare before you go. Have an elevator pitch ready so that when someone asks you about your business, you know exactly what to say. Think of questions to ask that will show you are interested in them and their business.
Take a look at these examples for great questions to ask:
Virtual groups
With the digital world as large as it is, you can find a group for anything. For example, you can discover job-specific virtual groups to join and interact with other members. These groups may add you to their email newsletters or send out updates to keep you informed about different networking groups. There are even virtual meetups where an expert can give an online presentation or hold a Q&A session. Check out social media or online forums to find groups that are perfect for your business.
Ready to Put Yourself Out There?
Networking is a powerful way to grow your small business. It can help you make connections, get leads, and find new customers. It can be challenging to know where to start, but by using the tips above, you’ll be able to master networking in no time.
