Networking is critical for business success, but as business owners, we don’t always make time for it.
It’s time we start!
Here are four key tips for small business owners to get the most out of business networking:
- Get in a networking frame of mind. Be prepared to answer questions about your business. This means having your elevator speech ready to go. You’ll want to deliver your business promise and value to people you meet in less than 60 seconds. Make it conversational, and make it matter.
- Know your goals before you go. Are you trying to find new business? Connect with potential partners? Before you go, review your goals for attending the event!
- Make personal connections. This means listening, showing empathy, and focus on the people you meet. The next day, you want them to remember you as the person they had a connection with, not the sleazy person who shoved your business card in their unwilling hands.
- Follow up after the event. It is amazing how many people fail at following up. Take the time to send an email, connect on LinkedIn, write a card, or follow up with a phone call. Be someone who follows up, and you’re guaranteed to stand out!
Using these four tips, you will be able to get the most out of your networking efforts!
