What are the benefits?
- Networking events aren’t costly to attend and some are even free or available at discounted rates, particularly if you are a chamber member or become part of a local networking group.
- You can meet likeminded business people who will be facing the same challenges as you, sometimes it’s just good to talk and find out how others in your situation handle certain business issues.
- Promote your business while you are there, networking is an ideal opportunity to create new leads within the local or regional business community. Making sure more people know about your products and services also increases the likelihood of referrals.
- Becoming an established and regular networker will increase your business profile and help to create a strong support network around you.
Many events include keynote speakers so watch out for any issues or speakers you are particularly interested in.
- Networking events can help you build strategic partnerships. Industry focussed networking can help you find potential business partners that might have some of the same requirements as you. Think about partnering up for buying and bargaining power to reduce your costs.
Choosing the right eventIf you find the thought of business networking intimidating why not attend a ‘women only’ event to start with? Many women find this useful, particularly when starting up in self employment. Women in business networking simply offers the chance to speak to other female entrepreneurs who will be facing the same challenges as yourself.
Networking is about quality rather than quantity, think about the events you want to attend and which would be most beneficial to you. Some events will be focussed on certain industries whilst others might only allow one person per industry field to give a better chance of cross referrals. Also watch out for keynote speakers or topic debates that might benefit you.
Make business cards work for youYour business cards are really important when you are networking. Make sure you have plenty of cards on hand to give to any potential new business partners so that they can contact you after the event. It will help people remember you so make sure that you get the look and feel of your card just right. Read our guide to make sure you get the best from your business cards.
Collecting potential business partners’ cards is equally important. Follow up any potential leads soon after the event for your best chance of converting them into sales.
Making it your goal to hand out and collect business cards will keep you motivated to move around and speak to different people. Don't just give your card to everybody but to those you feel show an interest in your products or services. You may find it difficult to speak to strangers at first but remember, everyone is there for the same reason, meeting new people and creating new business.
Find eventsThere are plenty of networking events across the North West and you can find all networking opportunities in our events directory. We also list a number of women only networking events so make sure you have a browse to find the event that’s right for you.
Access to help and supportIf you would like to talk about networking and how we could support your business, call the business adviser team on 0845 00 66 888 or use our contact us form.