Why Networking Is Essential and How to Do It Effectively
If you are an aspiring entrepreneur looking to make a splash with a new product or business idea then networking must be part of your strategy for success. It is essential that you meet the right people so that you can grow your company, and if you don’t have your own business, then you could find someone who does and work with them.
If you’re new to the world of networking, don’t fret — below are some tips to guide and help you find your footing.
Why You Need to Network
Aspiring entrepreneurs need to take some time to network with new people because the opportunities that can be gained are limitless. The main reason is that if you are new to entrepreneurship, then you likely do not know enough people to grow your business and when you network, you can meet professionals of all sorts that may be able to join your organization. Networking also gives you experience speaking to groups and new people which is important as you will likely need to give presentations at some point during your career.
If you already have an existing business then networking can help you to grow. By meeting new people, you increase your chances of meeting potential business partners that could be instrumental in the success of your company in the future. You can also meet new referrals and customers who may be interested in doing business with your organization. Even entrepreneurs who prefer to work alone will need to work with others at some point, so networking is essential for everyone.
Where to Network
If you have never networked before, then your first question may be where to meet new people in the first place. Those who do not have a lot of time to get out and about can network from home on a website like LinkedIn where you can specifically find people who work in your field or groups of entrepreneurs who are also trying to get a business off of the ground.
Of course, if you have the choice then networking in person is ideal because you can meet people face to face and make a better impression. There are many places you can go to network with others, including job fairs, alumni events, civic organizations, and professional organizations, such as the American Accounting Association or International Customer Service Association.
Make a Good Impression
They say that you only get one chance to make a great first impression, so you will want to make your best effort to be memorable at your next networking event. Start by dressing the part by wearing a suit or another presentable outfit that shows everyone that you are serious about networking so people will want to approach you.
You should also practice a few icebreakers, especially if this is your first time at a networking event. For instance, you might ask the person you meet what motivated them to come to this event, or you might ask them what types of challenges they are facing at their organization. You can even ask obvious questions, like what they do for a living.
Lastly, don’t underestimate the power of a good business card. Although we clearly live in a digital age, a physical business card can make a statement and leave a lasting impression on people. Fortunately, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to create something noteworthy. Use an online business card design app to easily put together an eye-catching card using customizable pre-made templates. By doing it yourself, you can make adjustments to the design as needed without having to hire a designer every time.
Follow Up
After the event, make it a point to send a follow-up email to any people that you had a connection with during your networking event. Mention how great it was to meet them, point out any memorable parts of the conversation, and suggest getting together over coffee or at a future event so you can talk about ideas.
In the end, there is nothing quite as important for entrepreneurs as getting out there and networking with your peers. Try the advice and tips above and you’ll have a great chance at success.