I am going to help demystify the world of business networking as well as offer tips and advice for getting the most out of your networking opportunities.
Which means yes, interacting with other people – usually
1. Making friends.
This is pretty self-explanatory and perhaps you feel like you already ‘have enough friends’ (which actually baffles me, like is that even a thing?) The beauty of these biz friendships though, is that they are often going through the exact same things you are. The entrepreneurial life doesn’t make a lot of sense to people looking from the outside-in. When I was a teenager, I remember reading Richard Bransons’s autobiography Losing My Virginity and I vividly recall thinking the guy was nuts. He would try a new venture, invest money and time into it and then it wouldn’t work out. Then he would go on to try something new, I just didn’t understand why he didn’t go and get a regular job instead. Now, much further down the road – I understand why he kept going and it was his ‘never give up’ attitude that saw him make his big business moves in the future. Other business owners have the same drive, same ambition and interest in levelling-up in biz and you’ll often find, life, too. Being around likeminded people who ‘get you’ majorly increases your own vibe and only good things can come from that.
2. Instant catalogue of services.
As you know, owning a small business often means you’re constantly needing to work on your business. At many stages in your journey you’ll be needing things like web developers, graphic designers, accountants, business coaches, venue hire, the list goes on. There’s also those life admin tasks that will crop up along the way too, builders, plumbers, physiotherapists, personal trainers, bakers and more. Building a supportive network around you means you have people to ask, straight away. The best part is you will be not only supporting local business but a friend, too (refer to point 1).
3. Exchange of information and advice.
If you’re in the right group – your peers are generous and forthcoming with their learnings and support. They’re willing to share their mistakes to prevent you from making the same ones. Or sometimes they can offer a different perspective or way of doing things. Networking also gives you the opportunity to return the favour in sharing your knowledge. Before you say ‘but I don’t know anything!’ – that’s simply not true. Everyone has something to offer those around them and you might just surprise yourself in how much wisdom you have to share with the world! Even if you feel like you don’t have the skills or expertise to offer professional advice, you can also give your perspective as a potential consumer of their products or services, which can be massively helpful in itself.
4. Word-of-mouth referrals.
When people get to know you, you become synonymous with your niche in your networking group. Instagram guru? Email marketing whiz? Jewellery maker? Insurance go-to? Whenever someone has a problem that needs solving in your niche, you will immediately be front-of-mind. This extends outside of the group too – your networking pals refer to their own network including their family and friends. This is also why making authentic connections based in friendship should be more of a goal in networking than selling yourself. If people happen to have a need for a product or service that you provide, they will come to you more often than not if they like you because they want to support you. I mean, they also have to like your product or service but if it’s a choice between your product A and Mr. Random product B of the same quality, they will choose you – Every. Single. Time. Just to back this up with a study – 92% of people will trust word of mouth referrals by their family and friends over ANY other advertising source (as per this Nielsen study). For some context, let’s look at a real life example: You’re asking around where’s somewhere nice to go for dinner and even though online reviews have some pull, you will more often than not end up going where your mum/bestie/cousin told you was a great restaurant. Amiright? Okay, so you’ve decided that you want to give networking a go – where do you start to look for your people?
My first experience of networking came when I saw an ad for a local women’s networking group called Fusion Biz Co (or Fusion Biz Babes as it was known back then!) I was so lucky to stumble upon this start-up when I too, was starting up. Ash, the owner is all about bringing women together in a supportive and fun environment minus the schmoozy, salesy vibe. Highly recommend it if you live in the Perth or Great Southern regions in Western Australia. Meetup is a great app for finding local networking events and so is Facebook. There are hundreds of groups dedicated to women in business in Australia and you are sure to find some posts, threads or information about groups close to you. Here are some popular groups to get you started: Lady Startup Lounge Perth Girlbosses (Find, Promote, Recommend) Boss Mummas Australia Business Chicks
Join me for an Honest Biz Brunch
I also run a regular intimate, in-person networking event for women in Perth called the Honest Biz Brunch. Not your ‘typical’ networking event, these brunches have small group numbers (max 8 people) and there’s a focus on authentic connection with unfiltered stores and honest conversations around life as a business owner. There’s something so wholesome about sharing a delicious meal, a nice cuppa and having a chat. They sell out super fast, so if you’d like to be first to get details of upcoming events, sign up to the waitlist. Whether you’re still researching, saving funds, about to launch or feeling like you’re in limbo, networking groups can provide the inspiration and motivation you need to simply begin. In fact, you’ll be surrounded by people who have all walked the same path as you – everyone starts from zero at some point. So, who better to seek some advice and support from?
1. Don’t be ‘that guy’ (aka spammer)
We all know ‘that guy’. You know, the one who is always shoving their business card into everyone’s hand and calculating what they can use you for. Or the ones nonstop posting in the Facebook group with their special offers and salesy posts. If you focus on genuine connection, it will work out far better in the long term than purely trying to secure business deals and sell your shit.
2. Stick to one group.
Another piece of advice when it comes to networking, is to stick to one group, especially in the beginning. If you’re looking for authentic connection and support, then immersing yourself in a singular group is going to mean you can get to know people really well vs. attending a different event every other week and not getting to really know anybody. You’ll forget names, where you met people and what their businesses are – which can make you come across as disinterested or flakey. It can also be super tiring and overwhelming to constantly be attending large meet and greet networking events. Whereas when you start to build your group of biz besties, those events become more fun and nourishing, because you get to catch up with your old faithful’s, as well as introduce yourself to some new faces.
3. Be yourself.
Sometimes being amongst other high-performing business owners can give us a touch of comparisonitis. We can feel like we need to ‘keep up with the Joneses’ and end up trying to project a persona instead of just being our true selves. Being inauthentic will always bite you in the bum, eventually. Be yourself. There’s no one better qualified to be you and what you are is worthy – remember that.
Remembering, amazing things never come from inside comfort zones. Download your free guide: 5 Lead Generation Ideas (that aren’t social media) Follow me on Instagram and Facebook.
