Networking is one of the most important activities that small business owners can engage in. It can help you build relationships with other businesses, find new customers, and learn about new opportunities.
However, networking can be tricky to do effectively.
In this blog post, I will discuss the keys to success when networking as a small business owner, both in-person and online.
Follow these tips and you’ll be on your way to networking success!
“It’s not about what you know or even who you know, it’s about who knows you” -Unknown
See What is Available in Your Local Community
One of the best ways to network as a small business owner is to join networking groups. There are networking groups for nearly every industry and interest, so you should be able to find one that’s a good fit for your business.
Once you’ve joined a group, make sure to attend the meetings and events regularly. This will help you get to know other members, and it will also give you the chance to showcase your business.
If you’re not sure where to start, try searching online for networking groups in your area. I joined my town’s Chamber of Commerce as well as the local Networking Referral Group. I often get referrals through the members of these groups and I get to consistently practice delivering my message. I love helping others in my small town.
Find Your Audience on Social Media
Finally, don’t forget to use social media to your advantage. Social media platforms are a great way to engage with your audience. You can use Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok and Clubhouse when engaging with your audience.
You never know where someone is going to find you. My advice is to post occasionally on 2-3 platforms but find at least 2 that you can fully commit to because your audience is there and you enjoy it.
For me, I post once or twice a week on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn and I focus more energy on TikTok and Clubhouse. I utilize TikTok for my short-form video audience and Clubhouse is where I can work on my pitch, find other like-minded entrepreneurs, educate others about Pinterest, and simply chat with other adults (working from home gets lonely)!
Yes, I am a Pinterest Virtual Assistant but Pinterest is not a Social Media platform, it is a search engine, and therefore does not belong on this list!
Try to follow others who are relevant to your industry and engage with them when you see their content. Social media is also a great way to promote your own business – make sure to post interesting content that will capture the attention of other users with an appropriate Call To Action.
Nurture Those Relationships
Once you do find people to connect with, make sure you continue to nurture that relationship. I joined a community of fellow Mompreneurs and I love it. I found Megan on Clubhouse and instantly felt a connection to her. Now I have collaborated with four amazing women who are killing it in their industries. I was even on Megan’s podcast as a guest! Check out Megan and Boss Ladies And Babies for more information on her community.
Read more about how collaboration is so much more beneficial for business owners than competition here.
If you follow these tips, you’ll be well on your way to networking success as a small business owner. Just remember to be genuine, be yourself, and have fun!
Do you have any networking tips that have worked well for you? Share them in the comments below!
Radtke Virtual Services offers custom packages so you can receive assistance that fits your unique needs. Check out my website to learn more about the services I provide or to grab my FREE Pinterest Pin Organizer. You can also check out my Shopify Store for digital products.
Again, my name is Brittany and I want to remind you- don’t just pin your dreams, live them!
