Business owners often come to me, wanting to establish their online marketing, expecting that they would be able to now not network. This can be further from the truth.

Networking, both on and offline is fundamental for a business owner’s success and omitting it would be like chopping off one of your business arms.

“Networking usually involves meeting new people, who share a profession, industry, or interests. Networking involves exchanging ideas and information between these individuals.”

Networking helps the ‘lonely’ solopreneur establish professional relationships and connections which can lead to opportunities, collaborations, introductions and partnerships.

 95% of professionals think that in-person networking is crucial to maintaining long-lasting business relationships. Source: Harvard Business Review

 Nearly 90% of professionals consider networking vital to their career development. Source: GrowMap

 

Why is networking good for you?

1. It contributes to your social well-being

2. It leads to the exchange of ideas 

3. It helps you meet people at all professional levels

4. It boosts your professional confidence

5. It allows you to practice how you communicate what you do and get feedback.

To become good at networking, make sure to:

– Research the group and their overall intention

– Strategize on how you can get it to work for you (clients/partners) What do you have to offer to whom and whom do you want to be connected?

– Keep in touch with your network (allocate time in your diary) Follow up.

– Regularly participate in networking events

– Have 121 s outside of the event

– Ensure partnerships are mutually beneficial (Same audience but not in competition)

– Review your return on investment (which includes breakfast and your time)

76 % of people say you need to know the right people to get ahead.

Here is a six-step process to help you write an Elevator pitch:

1. Who Are You? Write one sentence about yourself. For example, you might introduce yourself as a consultant to small business owners. Think very specific, niche in a niche

2. What You Do or Offer? Use your mission statement and product/service listing as a guide and write a sentence or two about what you do every day in your business. If your emphasis is on time-saving techniques, state briefly how your strategies work.

3. What Problem Do You Solve? Identify the value you offer to your customers or clients. Avoid listing only your features, and instead, translate them into benefits or outcomes.

4. How You Are Different? Use your unique selling proposition (USP) as a guide and write about what sets you apart from every other business owner who does what you do. Perhaps you've had relevant experiences and overcome them yourself or you have an uncommon strategy.

5. Ask a Question: Elevator pitches are generally delivered in in-person situations, such as an elevator or networking event, which means you want to be social and engage in a conversation. A great way is to ask a question that relates to who you talking to and your business. Example, you might ask, " What business activity do you find the most tedious?"

6. Give a Call to Action: Once your pitch is done, give the person something to do next, such as take your business card. Briefly let your audience know what they can do to follow up and hear more. Provide a means for further contact or for scheduling a meeting.

Why should I collaborate more?

Collaboration is when a group of people come together and contribute their expertise for the benefit of a shared objective, project, or mission. 

Besides being FUN, it allows you the opportunity to leverage each other’s skills, networks, and channels, to expand your reach and impact. It also helps keep you accountable and engaged, whilst encouraging innovation.

Feeling stuck and lonely in business? Are you wanting confidence and clarity in your business marketing?