How to improve your business networking skills to grow your business
In this blog I’m going to detail how business networking skills helped me to not only grow my own business, but also my client’s. I want to share with you the power of building a good business network and the skills you need to get started.
How business networking works – getting started
When I started out as a business owner, I soon realised that business networking is the best way to improve visibility, meet new people, and create strong relationships. But like many entrepreneurs out there, I was nervous and the thought of walking into a room of strangers and talking about my business filled me with dread.
I knew that without building a good business network, growing my business would be tough. So, even though I really didn’t want to, I decided to look for different opportunities to get myself out there, pushing myself out of my comfort zone.
It’s worth mentioning that networking does not necessarily deliver instant results. It takes time to build a trusting relationship with people. Growing your business network takes time, commitment, and consistency.
The best way to start is to actively seek out networking groups in your local area. Networking works most effectively when you attend a group regularly and get to know the other business owners well, connecting with them on a personal and professional level.
Types of business networking groups – how do you find what works?
There are lots of types of networking groups, finding the right one for you is important and it may take a few attempts. When you are attending business networking, you want to look for other business owners who share the same values and goals as you do.
The main types of networking groups are:
· Online and social media groups
· Referral-based networking (also called strong contact)
· Casual contact networking
· Professional association groups
Choosing which type is right for you often depends on the goals you have. If you know you are looking for business friends to support you, then a casual group or online community may work well for you. If you’re looking to form strategic partnerships with other businesses, then a more structured and regular group may be better for you.
Prepare for your networking meetings to gain confidence
Networking is something that can take time to feel confident in doing. If you are nervous, it’s a good tip to prepare yourself.
You can ask the organiser for specifics about what to expect, but usually it involves a group of regular members who are business owners in different industries. Members use the meeting to introduce themselves, their business, and ask for the introductions they are seeking.
There’s normally a ‘quick fire’ round to explain your products/services in 60 seconds, called an elevator pitch.
The best way to help build your confidence prior to a business networking meeting is to practise your pitch, so when you have an opportunity to introduce yourself to the room you don’t become tongue-tied.
Think of being in an elevator with your dream customer or client and you have less than a minute to tell them what you do and what you can do for them. Keep it simple so that anyone from any background and sector can understand clearly what you do.
This can help you to know your own business better, thinking about how to explain yourself in a succinct, clear way.
Becoming a trusted referral partner in your business network
You can’t build a trusting relationship with someone with one meeting. It’s important to note that many networking relationships are built outside the weekly or monthly meetings by arranging 1-2-1 conversations to learn about them and their business.
Networking works both ways – remember it’s not all about you. You can help others to grow their business, as well receiving referrals from them.
Offer to help others when you can, even when there is no direct financial gain. By being a supportive member of a networking group, you will build trust and credibility quickly.
Business networking can help to connect you with other businesses and create great referral partners. When done right, your network of professionals will look out for potential opportunities for you and become more like friends than just someone you met at a meeting!
Benefits I’ve experienced business networking
1. I’ve embodied what I want my brand to represent.
Presenting myself as a professional, I’ve offered help to people when they need it. That shows I’m knowledgeable and reliable, meaning people will trust me. Branding myself as a helpful and supportive VA has helped to increase my brand credibility between my peers and I’ve gained regular referrals.
2. Having a group of likeminded people to turn to has helped to push me forward.
Running a business can be a lonely place. Making all the decisions as a business owner can take a lot of your energy and time. Having a network of friends and associates to seek advice and bounce ideas off when I feel stuck can really keep me going. Surrounding myself with people who share a similar drive and ambition has helped me challenge myself to do more.
3. Pushing myself to talk to people I don’t know has helped to build my confidence.
Getting out of my comfort zone to talk to many new people has really build up my confidence. This has helped me in all areas of my own business development, not just business networking.
4. Networking has allowed me to be a better resource to my clients.
As a VA, I get involved in a wide variety of business development projects and often clients ask me if I know someone who can deliver a specific service. Due to my business networking, I can refer a trusted contact to them who will deliver a fantastic service.
How working with Spero Solutions can help to extend your business network
My VA’s little black book has become a valuable resource to my clients.
The business manager work I carry out for my clients often leads into suggestions and ideas for further implementation. Having trusted suppliers that I know can support these projects is invaluable. I’ve effectively already vetted them and know that they are credible and trustworthy.
So, you see there is huge value in business networking, but if you’re not quite ready to take the plunge, then working with us can help make that first step. Why not get in touch today and tell us the challenges you are facing and let’s see how we can support you.