How can you build a strong network as a new business owner?

Absolutely on point with these tips! 👍 And for 'Here’s what else to consider,' how about adding: 'Always be open to feedback—listening could lead to your next big opportunity!' 🚀 Maybe throwing in a pinch of patience and a spoonful of humor can work wonders too! Building connections takes time but hey, a smile can open doors that are invisible at first glance. 😉🚪

Building a strong network is just like building friendships. You have to get to know each other and be willing to support the other person in achieving their goals. Typically if you are open to supporting them in reaching for what they want, you will get support in return. If you give referrals you will get referrals. Be the type of business person and referral partner that you want. Show up, be consistent, care about others and genuinely give when you can. Also, be sure to stay in touch. Create of system of touching base in many ways. You can send cards, texts, engage on social media etc.

Some ways to get started: - Networking Goal - is it more new clients, mentors in the same space or meaningful collaborations? - Join local business groups, networking platforms like BNI, CII etc - Build your online presence - Share valuable content, engage with your audience, and show your expertise - Allocate 1 hour every week to make calls to potential customers.

I have found that networking is super charged when I ask others to tell me what they find the most engaging about their profession and then I listen. I like to repeat back key things I have heard and thank them for sharing with me. Having a posture of curiosity of results in dynamic, helpful and sometimes surprising results.

The Must Read book: Influence - the Psychology of Persuasion. Read it 10 Times Repeatedly. You will be amazed. Now the game Begins... Identify your Target audience and Indirect audience. Create Online Campaigns and Offline Campaigns Meet your Customers in person. Attend all the Business Meetings. Have a warm Gesture of Greeting everyone. Keep a Down to down-to-earth attitude. Keep inviting them for some important Occasions. Value Everyone, Because you will not know who is Going to Help you when. Every small Network is a Wealth Add-on. Keep sending Freebees and Gifts personally. Never Hesitate to spend on Networking. Networking is key.

The business membership organisations will kill me for this but although I speak in public and perform to thousands I'm an introvert and don't like "society", clubs and social chit-chat. Our network is now large but as business owners we've built it steadily from people we TRUST and have shared interests with. One way of ensuring you meet people with shared interests that you'd like to build business relationships with is to only go to events that develop your skills and know-how. So instead of networking events choose a course, seminar, conferenceor an event hosted by a customer or supplier that you like. I say "No" to the events to "be seen at" - to "improve my profile" or to do 2 minute business pitches. Others find 'cold' networking fun

Yes - finding the right networking event depends on your desired outcome, whether you are a B2B or B2C company, and several other factors e.g. are you looking for customers, collaborators, resellers, employees, funding? As a new business owner, make sure to ask others within your industry what networking opportunities and events that they recommend, have a look at where your intended audience are present as well as where they are not, and do some research as to whether it is a first-time event or not. The more you know the better, and do not be afraid of asking whether the organizer are offering any special discounts, exposure, activities or other opportunities for new businesses or first-time participants.

Finding the right events to attend is important because you can’t be apart of every networking group. Most of the time you won’t know what groups add the most value until you attend a wide variety of events. Once you do this you can start comparing the different groups and choose which ones are most worth your time.

I've run a networking event for 12 yrs that is industry-agnostic..we coalesce around a common interest. The tagline is Serious Networking & Serious Fun! Attendees certainly pace themselves, each time. I recognize when they are assertive about networking, and when they're attending more for the fun/camraderie. My Committee and I are intent about introducing people, starting topics amongst groups. I will also ask from the podium if anyone has announcements or requests. Don't hesitate to attend and ask to be introduced! > For your specific business needs, or because you'd like to get launched into the event right away (which you really should do). I've found that the conversations that started w fun at the core do lead to business later on.

Be very, very clear about your offer and who your ideal customer might be, and learn how to explain clearly and succinctly. No waffle zone, and others will buy in by understanding your offer. Some will become raving fans, and will tell their network about you. I love raving fans.

Well I’m not sure if should practice and rehearse icebreaker questions…we’re always talking about being authentic, credible, accessible, truthful. We should do the same here as well! Networking is a skill and it’s a question of training to learn it - this is true. But don’t pretend to be someone you’re not. You’re worth to be seen and heard just the way you really are! And if you’re shy just listen and learn. Listening is much more important than talking ;)

The elevator pitch is important for everyone and needs to be agile to adapt to different situations, considering also the people you're talking to. But even more important than simply practising "what you do" is to have a concise statement on "what you want to achieve". The best part of networking is to meet people who might be able to give you a nudge to the right direction, but you have to have a clear view on what it is that you're looking for. For those who don't feel comfortable networking or it does not come "naturally", it's good to prepare and practice the statements in advance.

I'm afraid I honestly have to disagree with most of this. The way I mastered it and became proficient at it was learning by doing. If one approach did not work, I changed it and tried again. Of course, for some, the practice-to-perfection approach might work. The risk, though, is that relying on an over-practised pitch can get you in trouble if it does not work for some reason.

You cannot prepare and practice real live events at networking, but you can be aware of what is going on in the world and locally. Going networking, so be aware of the impact on business, for example here in the UK we have just seen a cut in National Insurance rates. How will that impact your business and others? Is this positive in your opinion, and what else can the Government do to help businesses grow? Also why not share what has worked for you, and explain how that could work for others? Be interested how others are doing in their business too - always a winner. It is about having a conversation, so open ended questions are always popular. Be you.

Once you have chosen the right networking groups for you it is important to be prepared and practice. Make sure you have a lot of business cards with you. And practice what you are going to say when someone asks you “so what do you do?” This is your elevator pitch. It should be short and concise.

Sometimes I statter Sometimes I choke, in front of people. Imagine. I have learnt to embrace that, as it's my charm, being genuine is about believing that you are perfect just the way you are. As much as there is etiquette, a genuine heart melts ice. The tongue speaks what flows from the heart and mind. So I've realized it's important to watch your thoughts, being genuine is a rock solid foundation for any person. Once that is firm and you enjoy your own existence, the world will cherish you

When starting a conversation to meet another person, allow the other person to continue it, avoiding just talking about yourself and your business, listening is a good way of sharing respect and being polite. Be authentic asking open-ended questions without trying to impose your view, experience, or knowledge. Great relationships can arise from sharing good stories and building rapport and trust with empathy showing your personality being yourself.

Effective networking starts with building authentic relationships. Build trust & reveal your true self - sharing your passions & values. Connect through genuine curiosity. Actively listen & ask open-ended questions to discover shared interests & mutually beneficial relationships. Focus conversations on learning from others stories, challenges & goals instead of promoting your own objectives. Establish your reputation as someone reliable, approachable & invested in helping others achieve their goals. After you establish trust, information exchange flows naturally. Networking is an opportunity to empower others. With patience and sincerity, encounters can develop into long lasting relationships that advance one another's success.

Being authentic and in a business relationship or personal relationship is important to develop strong connection and trust. Always be a step ahead to solve clients problems and service them will create a long term relationship.

The importance of authenticity in networking is paramount. I remember a GBO event, in which instead of the usual, boring exchange of business cards and sales pitches, we ended up sharing stories about our most challenging business moments. It wasn't about impressing each other, but about the real struggles and triumphs we faced. That genuine connection not only led to lasting friendships but also to fruitful collaborations that neither of us saw coming. It taught me that when we connect as people, not just business owners, we open doors to unexpected and valuable opportunities.

It's important to follow up - but don't do it mechanically, copy-pasting empty sentences. Make the encounter count and tell them what you appreciated and if applicable, what you see would be the ideal next step.

Yes, yes, and yes!!! Timely follow up is one of the most critical elements of networking, and yet an area where many companies fail to deliver. As a new business owner, make sure you have prepared as much of this in advance as possible, so that it is quick and easy for you to follow up. If it will take you a while to address a special request, send the initial THANK YOU right away with a recap of what you are working on getting back to them on. Additionally, whether you took note of something the person you met with said, or there was something out of the ordinary that happened as part of your meeting, mention this as everyone wants to feel remembered. The other person knowing that you paid attention is - priceless!!

Following up with people after a networking event is essential. When you network you have just started to build the relationship. Following up ensures you continue to build that relationship. Follow up with everyone you met by sending them a LinkedIn connection request with a personalized message. Then call the people that expressed an interest in your services.

One thing I've found helpful is to send follow up cards or emails immediately following the first meeting. If I wait until the next day, I usually fail. Keep note cards and envelopes in your car and jot a quick, "It was great meeting you" note immediately. If you're going to use email, send it the moment you get out of the meeting. Nothing fancy, but prompt. One last thing, resist the temptation to remind them about you and what you do. This is all about them. You have to build trust and rapport before you can try to "sell" anything. Even if that's just selling yourself as a networking partner.

Une rencontre c'est bien, mais ce n'est pas ça qui vous apportera du business. Les opportunités ne peuvent naître qu'avec un climat de confiance, et la confiance est un lien qui se construit avec le temps. Suiver vos relation et entretener les dans le temps.

Effective networking must continually evolve. Nurture connections with regular engagement that provides value. As needs and industries change, static networks lose relevance. Continually cultivate your existing connections and offer personalized insight. Concurrently seek expansion through new introductions that can complement everyone involved. Continually reinvent yourself and provide innovative insights inspired by current circumstances.

In the initial stages of our company, we were unfamiliar to many. Embracing your business's narrative is essential; it should reflect your passion, the driving force that sustains you and catches others' attention. Continuously cultivate relationships with those loyal to your cause and inquire about their Network. A compelling story, coupled with running a stellar business, often leads to automatic referrals when you effectively communicated your passion and excellence.

Valuable networking works both ways. You cannot only assume everyone's there to help you. It's important to give back and help the ones that have supported you on your way. Sometimes it may take time before it's your turn - and the other way around: if you have the opportunity and possibility to help someone, do it. Good deeds will come back to you, way or another, sooner or later.

What I found very helpful is creating valuable content over that one social media platform where your audience lives. It's great to connect with people face to face, it's even better to develop a voice in your field over course of several months, and combine the two strategies. I found networking to be quite useless until I started speaking at events, meetups, asking questions and coming out of the "shadows". Another recommendation is the "brandable item". For example, I wear a hat which is my personal brand, so even if people do not remember my name, they remember the hat lady that had interesting contributions. Other branding items ideas: scarf, shoes, pocket handkerchief, an earring, a hairstyle, unique jewelry etc.

All these points are fine, but keep in mind no one wil network with you if you don’t have a clear clear to “what’s in it for them” [WIIFM] No one is looking to make contacts with you if it’s just to share a free meal or conversation at an event. Both have to have a reason to network.

Find a "networking body". Networking is realy fun. But as it is in the name: it is still working. Networking requires conscious, persistent activity every day. If you have someone with whom you can think about the next step you can take every week, it can be incredibly motivating. Especially if you can relate to a whole group.

There are 2 spaces we network as business owners. - when we are working on the business networking with other business owners in invaluable. Seeing what they do and how they have overcome hurdles can speed up your success. -when we are looking for clients we want to be networking and talking to...our clients. Don't get confused by these groups. You need both regardless if you are a product or service based business.

Do not be afraid to reposition your offer and business. None of us get it right first time around, so listen to feedback by having lots and lots of conversations. You must just find a success buddy that will help your grow further and at the pace you like. Way back in the early 2000s I had a wonderful success buddy ( he sadly passed away and never replaced) - we had similar goals and sense of humour, if one of us turned up to an event, the other would not be far behind. It became expected, and we both shared our knowledge too to help others grow.