Networking will grow your small business
Networking
This is an excellent way both to meet
new clients and to get the kind of social interaction you often miss out
on whilst working from home. It’s a slow builder though you will rarely
get business from one networking meeting with someone it’s about
building relationships not hard selling. Over time though you will build
up a network of contacts who will give you or refer business too you and
that you can help in the same way.
You don’t think you can do this? Yes you can!
If you have friends and family you already have a network. Start using
it. Tell them about your business and what you hope to achieve. This
serves two purposes.
1) They may be able to help you in some way
2) It gives you practice at talking about your business
Eventually though you will have to move away from the family and friends
comfort zone and start networking with other business people.
This does not have to be a networking club where you meet formally and
pay fees. They are very useful but can be intimidating for the beginner.
There are other options.
Seminars and workshops – many Chambers of Commerce and Enterprise
Organisations run these covering subjects relevant to business people
like market, writing business plans, taxation. They are often free and
you can kill two birds with one stone You get useful information and the
chance to chat with (network with) other business people. They even do
networking workshops!
Networking Events – there are numerous events in most cities and
towns and almost as many formats. The advantage of these is that you are
all there for the same reason.
Structured events possibly with speakers and a specific slot of time for
networking.
No formal structure attendees just circulate (possibly the most
intimidating for a newcomer)
Speed networking – like speed dating
And any combination of the above which may also include light
refreshments through to formal dinners. The cost varies according to the
location and facilities provided.
Internet Networking Groups – join one of these and you have
access to many thousands of people all over the world. You may also find
people a stones throw away who you can meet up with. This is a
convenient way to get started and is within your control. You can go
online whenever it suits you.
Internet Discussion Forums – this does not just have to be for
business there is a group somewhere for just about any interest. It’s
free and a good starting point for the shy. You can usually include your
URL in your postings so if your business is in someway related to the
discussions it's advertising too and a link back to your web site.
Remember it’s also a distraction!
What do you say to people?
Discuss the event, it's location, how you got there. Yes it's only small talk but it breaks the ice.
Ask the other person about their business, where they got the idea what it involves.
Listen to their responses just like any normal conversation.
Conversation killers
"How’s business" - bad choice if things aren't going too well it will
make them uncomfortable