Are you new in the business world and looking for networking tips? This post was written to help you out. Most people consider networking to be an aspect of business that helps you to attract new clients. It is a lot more than that.
Business networking requires you to make connections to individuals that will help your business get better. It is a process that involves establishing mutually beneficial relationships with other business owners and potential customers. Doing this presents your business with several amazing benefits.
Many business owners don’t have the slightest idea of how to go about this. Because of this, we put together these networking tips to help you out.
Networking Tips To Guarantee Success For Newbie Entrepreneurs
No successful business owners got to where they are today by themselves. It was with the help of others. This is what a strong business network can help you achieve. From word-of-mouth recommendations to solving seemingly impossible problems, networking comes with so many benefits. Here are some networking tips for new owners of SMEs in Africa:
Attend networking events
This is probably the oldest trick in the book. How do you expect to establish strong networks without attending networking events? Of course, opportunities to network present themselves daily, but certain local networking events top the list.
Some examples include Chamber of Commerce meetings and meetings for SMEs in your industry. Sign up to bodies that organize such functions. This way, you will be informed of upcoming events and you can plan to attend.
Decide on your networking goal
It is not just about attending every networking event available. You must select the kind of events that you attend since attending some of these events come at a cost. This is why you must decide on a networking goal before you start attending events.
Without a clear agenda, you will end up attending so many events and networking with the wrong people. Instead of doing your business good, you’d be getting the opposite. Decide on what you want your networking efforts to achieve and then set out to achieve your goals.
Offer help to others
This is one of the less common networking tips you’d hear anywhere. Many newbies make the mistake of attending networking events to just solve their problems. As such, they want to ask questions and request help at the slightest opportunity when they attend such events.
While this isn’t bad, it is better to find out how to add value to others first before requesting their help. People will be more open to a relationship with you when you show them what you are bringing to the table. As Scott Roen said, “when you offer others advice, the gesture is likely going to be reciprocated.”
Utilize your off-hours
Many business owners, especially newbies, just want to run into their shells after a long day at work. True, resting after hectic days is a great idea. But have you considered utilizing your off-hours to network?
This is a good way to build your network. It could be at the gym, club, a football game, bar, salon, or any of such places. You don’t have to wear your “serious hat,” just be ready to discuss and make acquaintances. Such relationships will come in handy someday. So, if you are not good at chatting and starting conversations, you better learn.
Learn to use icebreakers
In the previous networking tip, we talked about individuals who find it difficult to start conversations. If you fall into this category, allow us to introduce you to “conversational icebreakers.” It is even possible that you are great at starting regular conversations. However, when it comes to networking events, you crawl back into your shell.
Icebreakers help you start conversations easily. You can build from these to continue the rest of the conversation. Here are some examples:
– Excuse me, can I introduce myself if you don’t mind?
– Are you in town for business or you are from here originally from here?
– What is your motivation for attending this event?
– What part of our discussion or presentation interested you the most?
Employ social media
Many people make use of social media these days as a means of selling their products. You should do the same. However, there is a lot more you can achieve with social media. Have you considered becoming a resource person on social media?
This is one of those scarce networking tips that you can take advantage of. Create industry-related content and comment under such posts from other individuals. You will be attracting individuals in your industry and building your network by doing this.
Reach out to customers
As we mentioned above, networking involves building relationships with both business owners and customers. Word-of-mouth is one of the best ways to market your brand. Your customers will do this on your behalf at no cost.
Organize events where you can have one-on-one communication with your clients. It doesn’t have to be at your business, they just need to know that your business is the organizer. Also, organize periodic CSR events as well.
Maintain contact with older connections
The fact that you are building new relationships doesn’t mean that you should ditch old ones. No relationship gets old-fashioned, except it gets toxic. Reach out to your old contacts and make them feel welcome at your business anytime. Such relationships could come in handy when you least expect them.
Follow up on new contacts
Great, you just made a new addition to your network. That’s just half the job done. You have a new task, following up on your new contacts.
Even if it doesn’t seem like you need such contacts currently, still follow up on them. People like to be checked on and they will appreciate you reaching out. Doing this ensures that when you reach out for their help, it doesn’t seem awkward.
Never be scared to ask
Of course, we don’t build networks because we want to tell the world about our needs. Nonetheless, these networks help to solve problems. You shouldn’t be scared or shy to ask for help when there is a need. It wouldn’t make others think less of you, it will only help you grow your business. What is the worst that could happen? You’d get a “No” and move on.
Conclusion
What do you think about our networking tips for newbie entrepreneurs? Do you have any others? Drop them in the comments section below.