10 Ways to Network for New Businesses | Beginners and Introverts

10 Ways to Network for New Businesses | Beginners and Introverts

By Ruzanna Hernandez, Ed.D.

Questions

· Are you trying to find ways to network but needing some guidance because the process is difficult and uncomfortable for you?

· Do you have a new business that you want to promote and have a need to grow your network?

· Are you trying to get more people to know about your business so they can refer you clients?

If you answered “Yes” to any of these questions, keep reading and use the information and steps in this article to help you do more start and continue networking.

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What is Networking?

Networking essentially means getting to know people, and forming relationships, that will help you in our future endeavors, and will help the other party in his or her endeavors. It is the act of making contact and exchanging information with people, groups and institutions for mutually beneficial relationships

People often think of networking when it comes to parts of a computer working together, being connected, to help the system as a whole function. This is the basic idea with networking for business purposes, and even career-related purposes. Parts come together, or human beings in this case, get to know one another, figure out how they can help each other to help the overall system of business work successfully.

Parts of a Network

For a small business owner, the network is made up of all individuals who can give and get resources and support. Resources and support come in different ways; they can be advice, new client referrals, financial help, ideas, knowledge, and even helping hands when there is too much to do!

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The Problem

There are several reasons why people do not like networking. Here are the main ones:

Networking takes time, but people are impatient. As Darrah Brustein says in Forbeswomen.com, “they think it’s a sprint.” People meet each other at events and without getting to know the other person, quickly give their business card and throw their business pitch. Networking takes time because cultivating the relationship takes time. Building trust takes time.

A businessowner cannot go to an event just to “get;” he must be ready to “give.” Giving does not have to be business or money. It can be resources, ideas, support, or even just active listening! All relationships work when they are symbiotic and honest. 

Networking feels uncomfortableAn article on St. Olaf College explains this well: People think of networking as being approached by an aggressive person who connects with people to achieve selfish goals and give nothing back. It is uncomfortable to deal with aggressive people. When people are introverts, it may even feel like torture being at an event where they must talk to people. It feels awkward and of course, for a person who is not self-confident, it is uncomfortable.

Networking may cost money, in some cases. Meeting people at parties is a form of networking. Let us say your neighbor is throwing a backyard barbeque party and you show up. It does not cost you anything to go, have a good time, and meet people. Networking can be informal – it basically means talking to people and making connections so a backyard barbeque where you meet and interact counts! However, being part of a business group, or an organization where people specifically come together to meet and exchange information, often costs money. The local chambers of commerce, women’s business organizations, conferences, seminars, and other such events all cost money. The totals could add up at the end of the year!

Some people feel apprehensive and fearful about meeting new people. They dread meeting new people and approaching strangers. Fear of rejection, looking awkward, being treated with contempt, or being looked down upon are some of the common feelings people have with going to events and approaching people. 

Lack of organization also impacts how well networking is done, if at all. If a person is not organized, he forgets to take business cards, or a phone to capture important contact information to reach out to those with whom he connects. Lack of organization causes some people to be late, making a bad impression, or absent from an event where he is expected. 

The Statistics

Here is some interesting data on small businesses and networking:

· There are 30.2 million small businesses in the United States.

· There are 582 million entrepreneurs around the world. 252 million of these entrepreneurs are women.

· Approximately 47.5% of the total workforce in the U.S. is employed by small businesses.

· 70% of small businesses are owned and operated by a single person.

· 64% of small businesses are started with less than $10,000.

· 20% of small businesses fail in the first year, 30% in the second year, 50% in the first five years. 

· 85% of employment positions are filled through networking, and 70% of people say they have found a job because of their connections within an organization.

· 95% of professionals consider face-to-face communication and interaction important for the long-term survival of the business.

· 38% of professionals say it is difficult to stay in touch with their network, even though they realize it is important to do so.

· 29% of entrepreneurs and freelancers want to learn more about networking skills.

· Over 78% of entrepreneurs surveyed in various countries say networking is crucial to their success as startup businesses.

Here is an infographic representing the data and statistics on small businesses and networking:

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The Solution

There are many benefits to networking. These include:

· Getting advice from others in the same line of work

· Earning business prospects and referrals

· More opportunities for sales 

· Becoming a trusted source and boosting your profile

· Building credibility

· Having people to rely on for advice, knowledge, and new ideas

· More confidence and increased self-esteem

· Having connections

· Having a positive influence and support 


If you are a small business owner, consider these 10 suggestions that can help you not only network more, but network effectively. These are practical, step-by-step strategies that you can use immediately. The best way to use these suggestions immediately and practically is through a use of a planner.

1. Pick 3 to 5 places where you can network each month to establish consistency. Networking can happen anywhere – a graduation party, church, fitness club, places to volunteer, online, and more! Each month, pick some where you would feel most comfortable from the long list of places listed below. For example, if you are invited to a party, that can serve as the first place to network. If you are going to a 1-day seminar, that can be the second place to network. If you are going to a painting party or a Tupperware party, that can be the third place to party. The idea is to get out there!

*Write the days and times during the month when you will do the networking activity to make it an actionable task.

2. Figure out what the least awkward way of approaching and talking to people is for you. Here are some sample things you can say or ask:

· Ask, “Is this the first time you come to this event?”

· Ask, “How do you know so-and-so (if you are at that person’s event)?”

· If a person is reading a book at a coffee shop or doing homework for a class, ask about the book or his academic life.

· If appropriate, talk about something cute their kids are saying or doing. If the person is with a dog, start asking about the dog!

· If a person is standing in line buying something, like a laptop or a new phone, ask them about that particular item they are purchasing and why. 

· Ask, “Do you know anyone else here?

If you are at a professional networking event, like a chamber of commerce function, tell them how awkward you feel talking to people “out of the blue.” Like Christie Mims says on themuse.com, name the elephant in the room! Most likely, they are just as uncomfortable with the process as you and can genuinely connect with you.

If you are genuinely asking about something or commenting on something, it is easy and comfortable to do. Also, it takes practice to get better. You might have 9 people who smile and answer you, but you might have 1 person glare at you or not answer at all. It is worth taking the risk to be nice and kind to others in a genuine, authentic way.

3. Be patient - some conversations just leave an impression, but do not actually become more than that until much later. Make it a point to talk to 1 new person each week wherever you go. For example, if someone next to you at a nail salon is getting a pedicure and you strike up a conversation, you may not exchange information by the end of the meeting. But if you run into the person again next time, or at a store nearby, you’ll connect right away and exchange information then! 

4. Pick 1 to 3 business networking events each month depending on how much you can spend on membership fees and how much time you must actually attend. Do not sign up if you are not going to attend. Attendance is mandatory! Thus, choose only a limited number of these business networking events. 

*Write each of the events you are willing to attend in your planner to make it an actionable task.  

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