How to Network as an Entrepreneur

Networking is perhaps one of the most important things an entrepreneur must master. It allows business owners to make new contacts, form connections, and increase opportunities. In other words, it can make or break the foundation of a business, depending on how well an entrepreneur does.

The benefits of networking cannot be overstated, as these connections can help a person in every aspect of their business. Furthermore, a strong network can teach professionals what skills they need to learn and how to go about that process.

Since networking is critical to entrepreneurs, it is beneficial to have a better idea of how to do so. There are ways for new entrepreneurs to practice, and as always, things that even experienced entrepreneurs can improve. Here are a few tips on how to do so.

Prepare & Plan Ahead

You never know when you might meet a potential new business connection. As such, it is always beneficial to be prepared. Always keep a few business cards on hand, as this will make it easier to share contact information professionally. For those that don’t have business cards, now would be an excellent time to have some designed and printed.

When attending a business event, carrying a more significant number of business cards is helpful. You’ll be handing countless cards out, understanding that not all connections will flourish. Additionally, these events provide the opportunity to practice one’s pitch - not a sales pitch, per se, but a personal pitch. Entrepreneurs try to sell themselves when networking, proving why they would make a good connection and maintain. Practice this pitch beforehand, and use the experience as the chance to perfect it.

Find Your New Connections

One of the biggest challenges many entrepreneurs face is knowing where to find potential connections. There are many ways to do this if you know where to look. First, consider your interests, including your industry and specific niche. Other things to consider include location, demographics, education, etc.

One can find professional connections within their industry by keeping an open eye while at work. Every business event is a potential networking opportunity. One can also broaden their network by attending different events, including career fairs and seminars. There are countless virtual opportunities, such as social media (LinkedIn, for example), these days. Remember that it’s okay to get creative when looking for connections.

Maintenance

Forming new connections is the easy part of networking. The tricky part is maintaining those valuable connections. Remember to reach out to these connections with a fair amount of consistency, putting in the time and effort to grow them further.

While maintaining these relationships, it is essential to remember that while they are a potential tool to utilize, they cannot be overused. In other words - you need to give more than you take.

Utilize Professional Networking Tools

These days there’s pretty much an app or tool for everything, networking included. The tools of the trade will vary depending on the industry, but they can be extremely helpful in forming and building relationships. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different apps and tools to see which one works best for you.

Join an Organization

Organizations such as Business Collective and Founder Society exist to help entrepreneurs succeed. They do so by providing entrepreneurs with useful tools - and connections. Naturally, joining one of these entrepreneurial organizations will give you a leg up regarding networking.

Records and Address Books Are Your Friends

Even the best memories can lose essential information. Therefore, entrepreneurs must have a record system to maintain their networks. Write down your professional connections, their business information, contact information, and other helpful information. This will help ensure that the data doesn’t get lost.