Networking 101

“A strong professional network can help you leverage everything from new solutions for persistent business problems to word-of-mouth recommendations that can boost brand awareness.” 

Networking Events

The trick with networking is to become proactive, which means taking control of the situation instead of simply reacting to it. Networking requires going beyond your comfort zone and challenging yourself. The best networking events for startup companies will help expose you to other founders and entrepreneurs who are (or have been) in the same position as you are now. Everyone is there for the same reason and it is a great place to network, build relationships and work on your communication and networking skills. Identify networking events that pertain to your industry and then practice the following:

• Set a goal to meet five or more new people at each event. Make a point of heading straight for people you haven’t met. Greet the newcomers – people will appreciate this, as networking events are often intimidating for some. If you don’t make this goal a habit, you’ll naturally gravitate toward the same acquaintances at these events and your attendance will be unproductive.
• Try one or two new groups per month. You can attend almost any organization’s meetings a few times before you must join. This is another way to stretch yourself and make a new set of contacts. Determine what business organizations and activities you would best fit into. It may be your local chamber of commerce, the arts council, a museum society, a civic organization, a baseball league, a computer club or the PTA. Attend every function you can that incorporates your goals and potential customer interaction.
• Carry your business cards with you everywhere. You never know when you might meet a critical contact, and if you don’t have your cards with you, you may lose out on the opportunity to further the connection. Take your cards to church, the gym, parties, the grocery store–even on walks with the dog. Keep them in your wallet, purse, and car.
• Don’t find your seat immediately. You’ll often see people at networking groups sitting at the dinner table staring into space–half an hour before the meal is due to start. This is wasted time that could be used to take full advantage of valuable networking time before you have to sit down. Once the meeting starts, you’ll have far more trouble mingling.
• Don’t sit by people you know. You may be in your seat for several hours during a meeting, so don’t limit your opportunities by sitting with friends. This is an excellent opportunity to introduce yourself to people on either side of you. Obviously, it’s considerably more comfortable to socialize with familiar faces. But remember, you are spending precious time (and sometimes money) to attend these events.
• Get active. People remember and do business with leaders. Make an impression and get involved by joining a committee or becoming a board member. If you don’t have time, volunteer to help with hospitality at the door or checking people in. This gives you a reason to talk to others, gets you involved in the inner workings of the group, and provides more visibility.
• Be friendly and approachable. Make people feel welcome by pretending that you’re hosting the event. Find out what brought them there, and see if there’s any way you can help them. Introduce them to others, make business suggestions or provide them with referrals.  Not only will you likely make a new friend, but putting others at ease is proven to decrease your own self-consciousness. If you make the effort to help others, you’ll soon find people helping you.

Do Some Basic Press Outreach

Building relationships with your local media is highly valuable, since they are able to tell the story of your business on a larger scale. Send an email introducing yourself to local reporters and let them know that you appreciate their work. When the time comes for you to share your own news, your name will already be familiar to them.

Become a Resource on Social Media

Using social media to not only market your business but use it to network and connect with other business and potential customers is quickly becoming the quickest way to achieve business objectives. Use platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter and even Facebook to network and build connections.

Do Your Research

Do some research into similar companies, their backgrounds, how they got started and obstacles they’ve had to overcome. Seek out founders of companies you admire and people who have been in your position before. The more you know, the better you can prepare to grow your own business.

Offer Your Help First

Many individuals will approach others seeking answers to their own problems or challenges. However, one of the best ways to form meaningful, productive relationships is to ask questions and discover how you can provide value to them when you meet people. Ask what you can bring to the table, and share helpful tips with others. Don’t expect anything in return. When you provide value, it’s much more likely to be reciprocated. Cold email contacts suggesting ways that they can make more sales. Make introductions to people who you know can help your contacts. Share what’s been working in your business and encourage colleagues and contacts to try it. This is how you get people’s attention, command respect, and encourage others to proactively try to help you.