Quick Networking Ideas for Entrepreneurs Short on Time

One of the most beneficial activities for a business owner to engage in is networking. Networking at events has been shown to bring in up to 20% of new customers for businesses. It can also be the key to attracting investors and forming partnerships that will propel your company's expansion. 

Successful networking isn't a cakewalk, unfortunately. 

Making new friends is challenging enough without having to deal with the awkwardness of first encounters; add in the pressure of a limited amount of time, and it's no wonder so many people give up before they even get started. 

Constructing a network is an ongoing process. The reality, however, is that time is money for any business owner. So, how do you make sure you're still implementing your networking strategy even when you're short on time? 

You could give these methods a shot:

Do It Every Day! 

The more you incorporate networking into your daily routine, the easier it will become. 

Instead of devoting one hour per week to meeting with potential business contacts, you can do the same amount of work in just five minutes a day. You can jumpstart your day by getting in touch with friends and colleagues via email and social media. 

Schedule calls with prospective business associates and financiers while waiting in line at the post office or sitting in traffic. 

If networking is a daily routine, like showering or combing your hair, it will feel more comfortable and natural. 

In addition, when networking is a regular part of your routine, it becomes an activity for which you must carve out time. It'll be harder to claim that you don't have any time to spare. 

Make the Most of Your Network 

The purpose of networking extends far beyond making new friends. 

It's likely that you already know some high-caliber individuals in your current network who could provide introductions to influential people in your field. The workplace is a fertile ground for establishing connections. 

Know your teams and their histories. To meet new people and build relationships, take advantage of lunch breaks to socialize with coworkers. The value of your internal network may turn out to be much greater than you had anticipated. 

You may find underutilized skills in some of your staff members if you take the time to get to know them. 

Make Do With What You've Got 

To further your networking goals, why not incorporate the social activities in which you already partake? Regular volunteering at a charity, for instance, would put you in contact with a wide variety of interesting people. 

Making the effort to meet new people and hone your networking skills will pay dividends in the long run, regardless of the quality of the connections you may or may not develop. Anywhere, from the gym to the laundromat, you can carry on a conversation. 

To most people's surprise, the value of incorporating routines into one's day that allow for the cultivation of interpersonal skills that foster deeper connections with others is much greater than the average person may realize. 

Mark Your Calendars for Upcoming Events 

It is essential to plan ahead of time if you want to attend a particular in-person networking event. You probably won't be able to make it to most events on short notice, but if you plan ahead, you won't miss the ones that matter. 

If you want to increase your chances of succeeding at networking, try to attend at least one event per month, even if it's virtual. Plan ahead of time by adding the events you're most looking forward to attending to your calendar. 

Choose your activities with care. You should go somewhere you know you'll be able to meet people who can help your business succeed. 

Use Networking Sites 

Finally, social media has emerged as a primary channel for establishing and maintaining professional connections. 

Dedicate some time every day to sifting through your LinkedIn connections and reaching out to those who could expand your social sphere. The secret to being successful at social media networking is to not let it consume your life. 

Don't let yourself get sidetracked for too long by setting aside a certain amount of time. Consolidating your social media accounts with a social media marketing tool will make sharing content and attracting new connections much simpler. 

Perspectives for the Future 

For both personal and professional advancement, networking is indispensable. Consider these guidelines so that you can devote sufficient time to networking without neglecting other aspects of your business.