The Why’s and How’s of Business Networking

We’ve found that women entrepreneurs are not always familiar with the value of networking and how to go about doing it…here’s some tips to make your next networking experience successful.

Perhaps “networking” seems so foreign just because we don’t realize that “networking” is just a different term for “making a new friend”, but in this case, networking is more business-related and purpose driven. Here’s a few tips that may benefit you at your next event so you can make a new connection and perhaps make a difference for yourself, someone else, or both of you!

Why:

• Meet others who have common interests or may be in the same industry as you
• Meet others who can help you to get your next project done, you may meet someone who helps you to fulfill a need
• Meet others who YOU can help, whom you can do business with, become friends with, partner with, etc.
• Share your experiences or mentor another person, an opportunity to serve and eventually your time will come, someone will serve you in return!

How:

• Casual networking is the same as how you would meet a new friend anywhere, you find yourselves in a common place with common interests (this can be anywhere- a park, church, school) and introduce yourselves and begin a conversation about each other, it can start with personal interests and may move into professional, however, friendship is the primary purpose initially
• Formal networking is more structured, like at our monthly meetings, here we’re openly seeking for personal and professional relationships that will bless our lives!
• Come prepared, bring a business card, flier, product sample
• Consider your next project, what do you “need next”, then if it comes up in conversation, you may have an opportunity to ask, etc.
• Introduce yourself confidently!
• Be an active listener, genuinely interested in others and they will return the favor! Ask them, “what do you need next?”
• Seek ways to assist them in anyway with their goals and projects and you’ll find yourself building a solid network you can rely on when you’re in need of a favor, connection, or opinion!
• Share contact info and receive it in return, follow up, engage in conversation, be supportive and encouraging
• Do what you say you will do, make introductions via email, etc.
  When you see then again, call them by name, follow up with their needs you remember from previous time and see how they are doing

Above all, have a great time and smile!

Your Turn: What works/tips do you have to share about networking?

The author of this post is Kelly King Anderson, the Founder of Startup Princess