Meeting new people and learning about new businesses in a comfortable setting is known as networking, along with this comes trying to create beneficial relationships and the hope for possible partnerships. This is done through networking events where different representatives learn more about products or businesses in order to possibly build a partnership. These events are a great time for different businesses to find people to network with, at these events there is normally a presentation to show different businesses. There is normally many conversations and business cards exchanged. Networking can lead to joint ventures, partnerships, or new areas of expansion. Small businesses benefit the most from networking because even if they do not have any businesses interested, they still benefit from word of mouth marketing.
There are many ways to network whether it is at an event or just directly contacting a business to build a relationship. Local businesses benefit more from direct face to face networking because it leaves the other business with a face to the small business. For small businesses especially it is very important to know what they are worth and letting the other businesses know what you intend to get out of networking. This is to be done so both sides can benefit from networking. Keeping your name relevant to the business or person is a great way to increase the chances of partnership.
Starting a conversation without making it awkward is difficult for some people, starting the conversation with an icebreaker such as a compliment of their business or of a clothing item they could be wearing. Next talking about sports or another friendly topic lets the business talk afterwards seem less intimidating and more like a friendly conversation. Making sure you know what your business needs is very important, wasting your time talking to leads that do not have something that would benefit your business is a waste of time. Sometimes it is easier to network at a seminar if you have another co-worker that shares similar traits of building relationships. The last thing to do in a conversation is to find a reason to follow up with the person keeping and hardening a relationship. Also staying present on their social media’s is very important, keeping your name relevant will allow a chance for the services of your business.
Making money is important, but having relationships with other businesses will give you more information on other possible partners or other businesses. Which is much better than money when networking. Many people think that networking means automatic business partnerships, it doesn’t the majority of the time there isn’t anything other than a relationship made. Being negative in a conversation will definitely not lead to a relationship, being positive and keeping the conversation going is a guarantee that the person will remember you, not because of your business but because you have personality.