Networking holds immense significance for small business owners, acting as a cornerstone for growth and sustainability in a competitive market. Our founder, Lynsie Slachetka, participates in a number of networking groups and has found that forging connections with other entrepreneurs has led to invaluable collaborations and business insights that have allowed our company to grow.
Beyond leveraging networking groups to meet industry experts and potential clients, small business owners can gain valuable insights, resources, and opportunities that might otherwise remain inaccessible. Pro Tip: When evaluating if a networking group is the right fit for your business growth, keep in mind that effective networking groups not only facilitate the exchange of ideas and best practices, but also foster collaborations that can lead to innovative solutions and expanded market reach. Many groups take a pause in the summer, leaving business owners on hiatus. To help business owners keep up the momentum as we embark on summer months, here are a few of our Troupe’s favorite summer networking tips:
- Schedule outdoor 1-2-1 meet-ups. Enjoy summer while networking at places with outdoor seating. It’s a great way to chat with like-minded people in a friendly, open environment. Pro Tip: Plan these for Friday afternoons as your “last appointment.” It’ll motivate you to finish work early and start your weekend on a high note.
- Summer is the perfect season to convert your paper business cards into an app-based digital card leads system. Tools like Popl and DotCards allow networkers to tap to connect. BONUS: They include robust business card scanners to capture any paper cards you receive. Pro Tip: Use the QR code for your new business card on your paper cards or event materials so you maximize your lead capture.
- Network actively. Whether it’s a running club, hiking, golfing, or walking a nature trail, combine networking with activities you enjoy. Business networking doesn’t have to be stuffy!
- Plus 1 your next 1-2-1. If you’ve been part of the same networking group for years, consider spicing up your next 1-2-1 by asking your meeting partner to invite a buddy from an industry where you seek collaborators. Offer to do the same for them. By expanding to a group of four, you’ll discover new aspects about each other, and as a bonus, establish a valuable new business connection.
- Follow up! Who did you meet in the first and second quarter of the year that showed potential for collaboration and the emails fizzled out? Time to reconnect and touch base before the busy fall.
So now we must ask you—how many hands do you need to shake this summer to make your fall a success? With these 5 tips in mind, set yourself a goal. If you want to build out automated leads funnels and talk about ways to re-target those networking leads for future use, reach out to us! We’ll help take the workload off your shoulders!