Being a business owner can often feel like a lonely, solo journey. It’s nice to have a solid network of other business owners you can turn to and bounce ideas off of to get a different perspective from.
Having a businesswomen connection can also just help ease the loneliness of the journey. And business women connection groups don’t have to be the type of network group that you would consider joining.
A business network is a process of establishing a mutually beneficial relationship with other business people and potential clients or customers. You can also refer other clients to your businesswomen connection and have them refer clients to you too. Having a businesswomen connection group is also a great way to help your colleagues connect and do business with others.
Personally, I feel there is tremendous value in having a large network of professionals. I enjoy connecting others together when I can to make their lives easier. I feel in connecting with others adds value to my network.
A network of reciprocity and sharing is the best kind of network to nurture. I enjoy helping others and am grateful to receive the help in return.
Women networking groups
Business networking groups are popular for business people to meet and get to know each other.
Some women prefer to be in networking groups that are only open to other businesswomen to support others in the business. The gender gap is real, and this is often considered as a way to help close it. If women support other women in business the idea is that it will increase the female business economy.
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Networking strategies
Networking events are a great way to meet other professional business owners.
You don’t necessarily have to join a businesswomen connection group. You can expand your network beyond businesswomen and join a mixed networking group.
Not everyone loves or enjoys networking events. In fact, introverts may find business networking events particularly challenging. But there are tips to prepare yourself in advance to help get you through the event.
Networking strategies at events involve:
Prepare your elevator pitch
Having a good elevator pitch is a good way to talk about what you do and why you do it. If you have prepared the elevator pitch in advance, then you won’t stumble on your words and have awkward moments. Undoubtedly at some point, someone will ask you what your business is about, and you will be prepared with a response.
Ask others about themselves
If you feel uncomfortable and are pressed for conversation, genuinely ask the other person what they do and what their business is about. Most people love to talk about themselves and it’s a great way to get a conversation going. But don’t feign interest because that comes off as insincere.
Build relationships with those you’ve connected with
When you’ve made a connection with someone, it’s best to nurture that relationship rather than just reach out when you need something from them. You are dealing with humans and we are complex people who have feelings. Everyone loves to feel valued.
Networking tips
When networking with others it’s better to approach to offer value rather than try to get someone to do something for you. Many people fear that leading with value will allow others to take advantage of you or get something for free. Yes, that is a possibility and you do have to be aware of the red flags that often accompany those types of people.
Despite that, there are many professionals who do not take advantage of the generosity and ensure they reciprocate. Reciprocity is the key to having a valuable network and the majority of professionals understand the unwritten rule.
Adding value to your network is also serving as a super-connector. A super connector is someone who has a large network and enjoys connecting with others within her network to help them help each other. Being the go-to for when professionals are looking to connect with other professionals is a valued skill on its own.
Benefits of networking
There are various benefits to networking that include a broader base of resources to draw from when you have a problem and need help in solving it.
Stay current with trends
Trends are always changing, especially when you are an online-based professional service business. Keeping up with the latest marketing trends alone can be exhausting. If you have someone in your network, or many, who keep you informed and current on the latest business trends that is a time saver.
Get new ideas
Listening to different perspectives from your network and being around different professionals gives you a new look and point of view on matters. This diversity can trigger new ideas to bring into your business.
Get career and business advice
When you have a trusted network to turn to bounce ideas off of and get business advice from it is very helpful. Having a strong and trusted network means that you don’t have to tackle business issues alone and you have people to turn to for advice.
People to turn to for support
Being a solo business owner can be a lonely world so having a network of valued professionals to turn to when you need support helps to set you up for success. You have people cheering you on that are in your corner and want to see you succeed. We all need that on occasion.
Increases visibility
Your network will open you up to others in their network and that will lead to increased visibility and opportunities for you and your business. Word of mouth is still an excellent way to get referrals.
Boost your credibility
Having a trusted network of professionals helps build your credibility and authority in your field. They will speak highly of you and help build your reputation with others.
The bottom line is that there is a lot of value in having a professional network around you to help build your career. The most important point to take away from this article however is to ensure that you use reciprocity in your network. You don’t want people using you to help get them what they want, nor do you want to be that person. Make sure that you are building mutually beneficial relationships.
