How To Network Effectively For Business Success

Business Networking. It’s a word that can strike fear into the hearts of even the most outgoing people.

The thought of walking into a room full of strangers and trying to make small talk can be daunting, to say the least. Especially when you’re trying to build relationships that could potentially lead to new business opportunities.

But contrary to popular belief, networking doesn’t have to be a painful experience. In fact, it can be quite enjoyable — and fruitful — if you go about it the right way. So before your next networking event, keep these tips in mind to make sure you’re making the most of your time...and hopefully walk away with some new business contacts.

6 Tips for better business networking

1. Always be prepared. Have your business cards ready to go, and make sure they're up-to-date with your latest contact information. You should also have a 30-second "elevator pitch" prepared that succinctly describes what your business does and why someone should use your products or services. This will come in handy when you're meeting new people and trying to make a good impression.
2. Listen more than you talk.  When you're networking, it's not all about you—it's about building relationships. So ask the other person questions about their business and try to find ways that you can help them out. For example, if they're looking for new clients, see if you know anyone who might need their services. By being helpful and engaged in the conversation, you'll make a lasting impression that will pay off down the road. Awlays, remember, you’re there to learn about other people and their businesses, not just talk about your own. So resist the urge to monopolize conversations. Instead, ask lots of questions and really listen to the answers. People will appreciate your genuine interest and be more likely to remember you later on.
3. Focus on quality over quantity. It’s better to walk away from an event with a handful of solid business contacts than a stack of business cards from people you barely talked to. So take your time getting to know people instead of trying to collect as many business cards as possible.
4. Be a resource. When you meet someone who could benefit from your products or services, offer to help them out — even if there’s no immediate financial gain for you. That type of altruism will foster goodwill and could eventually lead to referrals down the road.
5. Follow up. Don’t forget about the new contacts you made after the event is over! Send them a quick email or connect with them on LinkedIn so they don’t forget about you either. And if you promised them something (e.g., additional information about your product or service), be sure to deliver on that promise as soon as possible.
6. Consider other networking strategies. These can expand your networking contacts -
   1. The best way to network is to get involved in your community. Attend business events and functions, join your local Chamber of Commerce or other professional organizations, and volunteer for causes that you're passionate about. When you get involved in your community, you'll meet other like-minded professionals that you can connect with. You never know when one of those connections will come in handy down the road.
   2. Another great way to network is to attend trade shows and conferences related to your industry. These events are full of potential customers and partners that can help your business grow. By attending these events, you'll be able to make valuable connections that you wouldn't have otherwise. Make sure to bring plenty of business cards with you so that you can exchange contact information with the people that you meet.
   3. Finally, don't forget about the power of social media. LinkedIn is a great platform for connecting with other professionals in your industry. Facebook and Twitter are also useful for networking, especially if you follow and interact with thought leaders in your field. These platforms make it easy to connect with people all over the world, which can open up a whole new world of opportunities for your business.

No matter what industry you’re in, networking is essential for long-term business success. By following these simple tips, you can make sure you’re getting the most out of your next networking event — and laying the foundation for strong professional relationships that will benefit your business for years to come. 

About Brisbane Networking Group

The Brisbane Networking Group is built from a membership of professional like minded business people. We come together each week to share ideas, educate each other on our respective specialties and pass business referrals which in turn assists in growing each others businesses. We also invite guests and other business owners interested in professional networking to join us for breakfast and meet a great group of people.

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