Are you looking to network more for your small business? You're not alone, more small business owners are trying to network. Networking can be a great way to find new clients and business connections who can be helpful resources. But there are many business networking events out there, how do you choose the best one? Try a few of our helpful tips to see which event is right for you:
This is one of the first things you'll want to look at. If it is the local Chamber of Commerce, then you know you'll meet local business owners. If it is a business or trade association, you'll meet small business owners and business professionals in that industry niche. Any type of business networking event can be a great one to attend, but it is helpful to know what type of connections might be possible as a result from attending. If your goal is to meet other local business owners, then the local Chamber of Commerce event is the right one to attend.
Most of the time when you hear about a networking event, you read a description about it in the local newspaper or on the Internet. Read the description to get a sense of what the event will be like. There's usually a contact person you can ask questions about the event too. If the event will have a speaker, there may not be very much time to network. If the event is a strictly networking event, then the focus in going to be solely on meeting people.
This is another thing to consider when looking at business networking events. While you do want to meet successful small business owners and professionals, you want to try to attend events that fit your budget. Why should you think about this right from the start? Because if you enjoy this one event, you'll probably want to continue attending their events. You may even want to join the organization.
It may not be easy to always figure this out. One great way to deduce this is to look at the organization's website and look at photos of past events. You can get a sense of how many people have attended. If events look well attended, then going to this small business networking event may be a great opportunity for you.
This is only something you can answer. A small business owner is a very busy person. While you may not be able to attend events like this all the time, attending one to three a month can be quite do-able if you plan and organize to do so.
Our best recommendation: ask small business owners you know what their favorite networking events are. Yes, we've saved the best for last, but we've done it on purpose because we wanted you to think about how a networking event would suit you well before thinking of this tip. Ask your trusted friends who are small business owners what their favorite networking events are. Keep in mind these small business owners don't even need to be those who are closest to you, their ideas for networking events may help you find that great networking event.
And another suggestion to try: can’t find the event you like? Consider hosting your own! The thought of hosting a networking event may seem a bit overwhelming, but hear us out. If you can’t find a networking event in your community or industry, then chances are there are 10 to 50 others just like you who are wishing there was that networking event they could go to. If you coordinate the first few events and get the word out about them, other small business owners will come out to them and then you will meet others and have a great network too!