We’re not quite out of the woods yet
Let’s face it, things are probably slightly better for business owners than they were a year ago, but we’re by no means over the worst yet. We’re dealing with re-entry anxiety, bounce back loans to repay, not knowing quite when restrictions will lift for good, if ever. We’ve not even got into the covid hangover yet, it’s like we’ve woken up still drunk after a heavy night. But it’s not all doom and gloom, things are slowly returning to some version of normal. Lots of people are emerging from their shells and considering what to spend their money on, now that there’s some choice. And like it or not, the move to online has created an explosive shift in the working world. More people are starting businesses than ever before. Networking online is saving us a tonne of time. We’re going through an entrepreneurial revolution, as more and more people seek out a better work/life balance. In fact, it’s almost overwhelming the choice available to us, without geographical boundaries to hold us back. So how do you decide where to turn when you’re trying to grow your start-up or new-ish business?
Are networking events worth it?
Fundamentally it comes down to one thing: people buy from people. That’s how networking works. Attending networking events, engaging with people and building strategic connections with other businesses is what networking is all about. It will absolutely help you grow your business, if you approach it correctly. The thing to remember is that networking is not all about getting clients directly. It’s really about getting that word-of-mouth train going and helping other business owners understand when and why to refer business to you. It’s also about understanding what others do so you can refer business to them. You may attend a networking event with only 10 other people, but you never know who they might know, or who you could know! It can be nerve-wracking going networking when you don’t know anyone, or if you have social anxiety or you’re in introvert, but if you can find a welcoming supportive group, there are many, many wider benefits to your business.
What can networking do for my business?
There’s a great analogy to think of when you’re doing your introduction or pitch at a networking event: imagine you’re speaking to your marketing team. Get it right, be memorable and engaging, and you’ve got a bunch of people there who are going to do some of your marketing on your behalf. And who doesn’t want that? The most important thing is to get into the right mindset; you’re there to connect and get to know other business owners, rather than sell. Networking is so important for business owners to find that community and support. Because let’s face it: being an entrepreneur can be lonely! It’s why I always say “if it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a tribe to raise a business.” And trust me, my business would not be where it is today if I hadn’t found my tribe. They are my lifeline on a daily basis!
So how do you choose the right networking group?
First up, decide on your objective for attending. You may have a few objectives, but try to land on the top three. Is it to find a community of like-minded business owners, or reach new client audiences, or build relationships with local contacts? Is it to find someone to support you with an area of your business, or to collaborate with?
Think about your values as a person and as a business. What’s important to you? How do you operate? What’s your higher purpose?
Consider how much time you have available to attend networking groups and ensuing one-to-one meetings with new connections.
Once you’ve got your objectives, values and time estimation noted down, you can research networking groups you’d be interested in or ask your existing connections for recommendations. Whilst you’re doing your research, ask yourself the following questions and see how well they suit you and your schedule:
Look at what kind of events they run - are they face to face, on or virtual events on Zoom, or a mixture?
What times do the events take place and how long are they?
Do they seem highly structured, semi-structured or a bit more relaxed?
Do any groups offer a free trial or trial session before you have to join as a member?
Is there anyone you know who can share an experience / or can you ask to speak to existing member?
Look at testimonials / Google reviews and consider the kind of feedback they are getting - does it make you feel excited or nervous?
The next thing to do is draw up a short list, set some time aside in your calendar to attend any events you sign up for and go for it!
Want to know how to network like a pro?
Whether you’re new to networking, a seasoned pro or you hate networking altogether, check out my free download: Five Ways to Perfect Your Pitch. Inside I take you through 5 simple things you can do to ensure you get the most out of your networking events, so you can go from nervous networker to pitch perfect. Enjoy!