A strong entrepreneurial network can help you build valuable relationships with other business owners and entrepreneurs. A diverse one, in terms of age, industries and experience levels, can prove extremely helpful when you’re faced with challenges and obstacles.
The fact is half the battle of networking is knowing exactly how. Entrepreneur digital magazine has a great “encyclopedia” guide to networking where they share 9 powerful networking tips. Check it out here. Learn more about how to get beyond your comfort zone and challenge yourself to be a better networker.
1. Meet Potential Clients
Local networking events are a wonderful place to meet new clients. “You never know who you might meet. When I attended a local networking event several years ago, an older entrepreneur who I trusted introduced me to a startup company that was looking for tech consulting. That introduction led to a five-figure contract.”
Not only can you meet potential clients, but you’re also at a wonderful place to be referred to. An entrepreneur at an event may not need your content marketing services but she may know someone else who does and can put you in contact with each other.
2. Stay on Top of Industry Trends
No matter what your industry, your business is constantly expanding and changing. Trying to identify all of the new trends happening by yourself can be a bit overwhelming. But by being around others in business, you’ll be exposed to new trends without even realizing it.
Understanding trends can be very valuable for your business. For example, you might learn about a new web design trend that affects how you offer branding packages to your clients.
3. Connect with Influencers
Influencers aren’t necessarily potential clients. But they’re typically enthusiastic cheerleaders who can get the word out about you and your brand. They’re always on the lookout for new products and trends they can share with their circles, which makes them ideal to chat up at events.
Of course, influencers don’t want you to engage with them in the hopes that they’ll promote you. Instead, you’ll need to focus on developing an authentic relationship with influencers based around a common interest or passion.
4. Learn New Things
There’s an old proverb that states, “If you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room.”
What this means is simply that you should put yourself in situations where you can learn. If you’re already an advanced entrepreneur then hanging out with new entrepreneurs might be fun, but you’re not likely to learn very much. In fact, you may find yourself doing a good bit of teaching.
You don’t have to look for networking events that billionaire CEOs attend, but you do want to make sure there’s a good mix of experience levels at each event. This allows you to learn and absorb new things from entrepreneurs who are further along on their journey than you.
5. Develop Your Message
Another perk of attending local networking events is that you will frequently have to introduce yourself. You’ll typically tell other attendees who you are, what you do, and who your target demographic is.
When you must repeat who you are and what you do week after week, you get good at pitching yourself. You’ll become more comfortable sharing your message and communicating what makes your brand stand out from others.
6. Become the Expert
You develop a reputation when you attend events regularly, and people start to associate what you do with your name so when they think “content marketing” or “sassy web design”, they think of you. This naturally leads to more referrals which leads to more paying work for you.
7. Find a Joint Venture Partner
Not only are potential clients and influencers waiting for you at local networking events, so are potential joint venture partners. These are people who might choose to partner with you on a project.
RELATED: Create a Profitable Joint Venture Partnership
8. Discover Local Contractors
If your goal is to one day outsource part (or even your entire) business, then local networking events can be a great way to meet others. You never know who you might discover—your future virtual assistant, that web designer you’ll hire, or the coach who will help push you to the next level.
But what if you already have an amazing team built around you and you’re not looking for someone new? Local networking events can still be a wonderful way to meet entrepreneurs who give you insights into how your team can work more efficiently.
9. Increased Motivation
Networking can be energizing when you meet others who are just as passionate and committed as you are to building an amazing business.
Sometimes, being an entrepreneur is difficult and you lose your mojo but connecting with entrepreneurs who are excited about their businesses can remind you of why you started yours.
RELATED: Stress-Free Living the Power of Motivation
10. Solve Problems
When you’ve been staring at the same problem for too long, it’s easy to miss the obvious solution that’s right in front of you. But going to local networking events can give you a fresh perspective and you might connect with someone who knows how to solve your problem or helps you look at it differently.
11. Give Back
Keep in mind that local networking events aren’t just a place to get—they’re also opportunities to give back to other entrepreneurs. You may meet a potential client that you end up doing thousands of dollars in business with. But you may also just meet someone who needs a quick word of encouragement or a simple suggestion and they’ll be on their way.
When it comes to networking events, it’s smart to walk in with a giving mindset. You’ll attract positive people and other givers to you. Plus, you’ll feel good and enjoy yourself more when you show up this way.
If you’re worried you don’t have anything valuable to contribute, shut that thought down. Even if you’re a brand new entrepreneur, you can still listen to others and encourage them to pursue their passion. You bring value just by showing up!
12. Grow Your Confidence
The more networking events you attend, the more confident you’ll become. You’ll find more confidence when you’re delivering your message and when you’re talking with others about what you can do for their business. This confidence will help you shine and give you the courage to take smart risks in your business.
You might think local networking events sound a little scary. But they don’t have to be. If you attend a few regularly, you’ll find they can be a fun and exciting way to
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