11 Tips for Successful Business Networking

Want to make your business networking more effective? Use these 11 networking tips to build relationships that help bring in business.

Business networking involves making connections not only with likely customers or clients, but also with other individuals who might refer business to you or mention your name in some positive way to people they know. It also involves connecting with people who provide information or training, and it can be an excellent way of locating reputable vendors to hire for your own 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.

Benefits of Building a Strong Business Network

How important is networking to small businesses? Ask a small service business where they get most of their customers, and they’re likely to indicate some form of word-of-mouth marketing. In a survey conducted by Alignable, 85% of small businesses indicated that word-of-mouth referrals was the best way to acquire local customers.

Another study reported that 78% of startups say networking is vital to their entrepreneurial endeavors. Networking is equally important for career success for people who are employees.  According to a 2016 report by LinkedIn, 85% of all jobs are filled via networking. 

Clearly, if you aren’t taking the time to meet and interact with others in your field, you’re likely missing out on valuable opportunities to find new partnerships, generate referrals, and even land clients and positions.

Of course, networking isn’t just about building relationships. Meeting and interacting with other industry professionals also enables you to continue your education. While you might not have time to attend a seminar or certification course, grabbing coffee with a business connection helps you stay abreast of new developments and practices in your field. You can bring these trends back to your current company or use what you learned to better your chances of landing a new position.

11 Tips for Networking Success

Don’t wait until your marketing funnel is empty to start networking. If you want to build a robust business, you should get out there and make connections today. Check out these 11 networking tips sure to expand the number of opportunities that come your way.

1. Attend business networking events

The first step in successful networking is knowing where to go to make connections. While almost any activity or event can serve as a networking opportunity, small business owners and professionals with local businesses can benefit from attending local business events.

For example, your city’s chamber of commerce might host gatherings for people in your industry. Additionally, it’s worth hitting up meetings for professional associations and societies related to your field.

2. Choose a goal

It’s hard to get what you want out of your networking endeavors if you don’t start with a clear agenda. Before attending meetings or events, determine what your goals are for the experience. For example, you might want to make new connections, donate your time to the community, or simply learn about the latest developments in your business or industry.

3. Get social in your off-hours

Just because you’re off the clock doesn’t mean it’s time to stop networking. If you want to expand your reach, try to chat with attendees at your health club or pilates class. You can even make business connections at your child’s school activities and sports events. After all, parents are typically looking for something to chat about besides what’s happening on the soccer field! 

4. Know your worth

It’s not enough to provide your clients with a great product or service. If you can’t articulate what it is you do, then you can’t hope to convey that information at networking events. Whether your goal is to generate referrals or simply build your virtual Rolodex for the future, take time to generate an elevator pitch that conveys what you do, for whom you do it, and why customers should choose you over your competition. 

5. Identify conversational icebreakers

If you want to overcome initial awkwardness and make a good first impression, consider opening with a compliment. For example, you might tell the person sitting next to you at a seminar that you like their shoes or tie. Similarly, asking a question gives contacts the chance to talk about themselves. Ask how they got into the field or what they think of a recent development affecting your industry.

6. Bring a buddy

Sometimes starting conversations with strangers is easier if you have a familiar face by your side. If you have a friend or coworker who’s also looking to expand their network, consider attending professional events as a twosome. Just be sure you make an effort to connect with other attendees rather than sitting in the corner chatting the whole time.

7. Overcome introversion

If you’re naturally shy, having success in networking can be a challenge. Fortunately, there are some strategies for overcoming introversion and making connections.

First, consider brainstorming icebreakers before a networking event, so you don’t have to come up with ideas on the spot. Second, feel free to take a breather if you get overwhelmed. Go to the restroom, take a walk, or grab a coffee. You can return to the room refreshed and ready to meet new people.

8. Find a reason to follow up

Making connections is only half the battle; you also have to take steps to keep the relationship going. Even if you aren’t currently job hunting, strive to reach out to your contacts a few times a year to follow up. You could forward a relevant article, invite them to a seminar or conference, or even just send a friendly note during the holidays.

Of course, being successful in networking is about more than what you do. It’s also about what not to do. The rest of this list features tactics to avoid if you want to boost your business connections.

9. Don’t be negative

When searching for conversation starters, avoid speaking negatively about former companies or coworkers. After all, you don’t want potential contacts thinking you’d say bad things about them given the opportunity. 

10. Don’t be selfish

Whether you’re chatting at a chamber of commerce event or attending an informational meeting, it’s important to remember that networking is about give and take. If you’re always the person asking for favors, the relationship is unlikely to last. For best results, look for opportunities to help your networking contacts prosper in their own careers. 

11. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want

We all need help now and again. If you want your networking efforts to be a success, you have to be bold enough to ask for assistance. Before attending that next meetup or seminar, make sure you can articulate what it is that you’re seeking. Then, when someone asks how they can help you, tell them the truth.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is for informational purposes only, and does not constitute legal, tax, or accounting advice. If you have specific questions about any of these topics, seek the counsel of a licensed professional.

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