A Brief Guide to Business Networking

Networking is one of the most important tools for any business owner to have in their repertoire. Putting yourself out there and building connections will bring in so many more customers, as well as potentially opening yourself to new opportunities in the future.

In the current age of the internet, there are a thousand other people who do the exact same thing you do online. So, networking with potential customers helps you build a relationship with them and puts you at the forefront of their mind whenever they think about what you can provide. More than that, it gives you a ripe source of referrals. The people you speak to probably won’t need your services, but odds are they know someone who does.

Here are some handy tips to keep in mind when you’re at your next business function or event.

Practice your elevator pitch

You may have heard the term elevator pitch before. Here’s the basic idea. You’re in an elevator going up to the top of a skyscraper. The elevator stops, the doors open and in steps the exact person you want to be pitching to. You have maybe 30 seconds to introduce yourself, your business and explain why your business deserves their attention.

Speak to the right people

When you go to a networking event, you’re most likely not going to be able to talk to every single person in the room. So, who should you be talking to? Be on the lookout for people with businesses that relate to yours in some fashion.

If you’re a car dealer you might be on the lookout for a mechanic to refer people to. If you’re a grocer, you might want to talk to the farmer who could be a new source of produce. If you own a gym you might want to talk to someone who makes exercise equipment.

Do try to talk to as many people as you can, however. Just because your businesses don’t align, it doesn’t mean that they won’t know someone who works at one that does.

Use the right tools

You should be attending as many networking events as you can and when you go, be prepared. Always have a ready supply of business cards and make space in your wallet to fill with the ones you receive.

You get out what you put in

The whole point of networking is building a professional relationship with people. A network of people that can help each other out. You cannot expect people to help you without you giving them anything back. 

When talking to someone new, if you yourself can’t help this person out, be thinking of anyone you know that you can refer them to. In one sweep you have proven your value to both this new connection and an existing one.