The thought of networking, sharing your business with others, that you have created, can be very uncomfortable. What if they don’t see the product or service that you pour all your time, effort and love into, the same way as you do?
Then what if you stumble over your words, forget what you want to say, or maybe people are just not interested?
It’s enough to make you want to hide away.
There is another way!
This is where you need to change your thoughts on business networking.
Networking should be about connecting with like minded people and building relationships. You need to find the right tribe for you. A community of people who are willing to support you, cheer you on, offer advise and lift you up.
In this article I am going to share with you my opinion on the benefits of networking. Networking hasn’t always come easy to me and in the past I’ve spent more time running through ‘my lines’ in my head than actually listening to what anyone else had to say. Hopefully, reading my suggested benefits will help you to approach business networking in a more positive, and less stressful way.
Connecting with like minded people.
This is so important as our friends and family don’t always get it.
I’ll be honest, I quite like a women’s only networking group. I have been to a few mixed groups as well which have been fantastic, but my point is try a few different events and find the ones you like the best.
Bearing this in mind, this will help you to find the right community of like minded people, and what we like to call ‘your tribe’.
Connecting with and surrounding yourself with the right kind of people who will support you, understand what you are going through and can offer positive help will allow both yourself and your business to grow.
A place to share your business.
As I’ve already mentioned, sharing your business can be a scary prospect. A networking group should be a safe space to share your ideas and knowledge and a place to listen and learn from others.
Remember, the aim of the game is to build connections and relationships. These people may not necessarily purchase from you but if the right relationships are made they will happily recommend you to others that do require your service or product.
Photo by cottonbro studio: https://www.pexels.com/photo/women-sitting-at-a-table-and-drinking-coffee-together-5486098/
Opportunity to learn from others.
Networking events will often have guest speakers. This can be a great opportunity to learn from someone else’s experience and find out what they do in their business. They will often offer tips that could be beneficial to implement in your own business.
Guest speaker opportunities may also be something you wish to consider, as they can give you access to a new audience.
A chance to challenge yourself.
Whatever that challenge maybe; you’re first networking event, speaking at an event or sharing something new. Just do it!
The only way to grow is if we set ourselves challenges and we are brave enough to give them a go. Everyone, even the professionals have had to start at the being. We’ve all been there.
Making new friends and socialising.
Running your own business can be lonely, especially if it’s only you working in it. No team meetings, no one to ask a question and no Christmas party!
Create your own team of people who you can reach out to when you require help, need some advice or just fancy a coffee and a moan. I like to call these people ‘my business besties,’ and each and everyone of them I have met at a networking event.
A place to feel understood, supported and to be taken seriously.
Just this title alone is a reason to start networking.
To have a group of people who understand your day to day journey of being a business owner, with all the ups and downs, a group of people willing to support you and your business, and to take what you are doing seriously is priceless.
Cake!!!
There I’ve said it! Food can always make something seem better!
Most networking events involve some kind of tasty snack. A bacon roll, a buffet or a slice of cake.
You do not have to partake if it’s not for you, but food especially cake, is often seen as a bonus in my eyes.
In this blog I have shared with you the benefits of business networking and how finding the right group of people can really help you as a owner grow in confidence and develop strong connections and relationships. This in turn will help to develop and grow your business.
If you are a female business owner in the South Wales area, please come and join one of our friendly and supportive networking groups or events.
I hope to meet you soon at a networking event.
Sarah x
Facebook group: Celebrating Women in Business South Wales.
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