It’s no secret, networking is something a small business can’t live without, however, it’s a word that usually either excites or petrifies business owners.
For the extraverted type personality styles, networking is like a party where they get to meet new people and make new friends.
For the introverts, root canals can be more appealing than networking.
Yet this powerful tool for small business owners is so misunderstood and stigmatised. The Redcliffe Chamber of Commerce (RPCC) shares their tips for small business owner to get the most out of the powerful strategy, whether introverted, extroverted, or somewhere in between.
By far, networking is still one of the lowest cost ways to generate leads (other than referrals) on the planet. So how do you do it, particularly if you are a more introverted person?
In our current age, marketing and networking are very different to what they were only 5 to 10 years ago. These days, the best way to think of it, as cheesy as it sounds, is a bit like dating. We don’t meet someone then hit them up to get married in the first interaction.
Have you ever been stabbed by a business card?
Imagine you are at a networking event or something similar and before you have even finished introducing yourself to a complete stranger, they are thrusting their business card at you. You have just been stabbed!
It has been said that your net worth is proportional to your network, you know the old adage “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know”. There is great wisdom in the saying and it can take many years to build a solid network. So here are a few keys to help you build your network effectively.
First thing to keep in mind is that for someone to do business with you they will need to know, like and trust you. A networking event is the opportunity for others to start to know you. It’s a bit like dating or any kind of relationship building. It takes time and effort to build and maintain them.
The second thing is you must be genuinely interested in learning more about the people you meet and definitely not trying to sell them your wares. People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.
If you ever get stuck for a question after someone has just finished answering you, the best thing to say is “tell me more about that?”
Be patient and consistent. Going to one networking event and thinking you will get a bunch of leads is delusional. Like going on one date and thinking you are going to find the person of your dreams and they will want to marry you.
Finally, if you can connect someone to a person who can solve a problem for them, or give them a quality connection (as in you be OK to refer the connection to one of your own family or friends), do it unconditionally, for this will help in building trust.
Have some questions in mind when you arrive and think outside the box. Here are a few questions you may like to try;
- “What do you love about living on the Peninsula?”
- “How long have you been in business?”
- “Tell me what the best thing is about what you do?”
- “What has been your biggest client success, that you are most proud of?”
FOR SMALL BIZ HELP
If you need help in any area of your business, just reach out to your local chamber of commerce. The RPCC are offering free membership until the end of 2020 (save $150) visit www.redcliffepeninsulachamber.org.au.
