When you have a consistently lengthy to-do list and you always seem to be racing to meet deadlines, taking time away from work to network can sometimes feel like it's not the best use of your time. For many business owners and freelancers, taking a break to meet up with other professionals for drinks and conversations can seem hard to justify. But in reality, networking is an essential part of business growth. It is a highly productive use of your time, and it's something that every entrepreneur, creative, and professional should strive to do regularly.
Networking is not simply about selling yourself or your business. It is an opportunity to build valuable relationships with people in your industry, or other sectors that you would like to expand into. Whether you are looking to gain new clients, hire more employees, or attract business partners or brands to collaborate with, networking can help you make the important connections you need. Mingling with other professionals and entrepreneurs can lead to so many priceless opportunities that you would never gain by staying at home or in the office in front of your laptop.
In this blog, we will explore some of the main advantages of networking, and why attending networking events can help you take your business to the next level.
Advantages of networking
Business connections
This is perhaps the most obvious benefit of networking. Connecting with other professionals allows you to build a supportive network of like-minded individuals who will assist you on your business journey. They can provide you with help and advice when you need it, and you can do the same for them in return. The more often you catch up with connections, the stronger your bond will become.
Opportunities
You can gain so many exciting opportunities through networking. From new projects, to new partnerships, job roles, and business ventures, the conversations you have at networking events can lead to life-changing opportunities and experiences that will completely transform your business. You just need to be ready to seize every opportunity that comes your way, and strive to maximise each one to the full.
Knowledge and new ideas
You can learn a lot from networking. Speaking to other professionals and business owners allows you to receive useful updates about your industry, gain information about the latest developments and technologies, and hear fresh perspectives that can change and improve your way of thinking.
Enhances reputation and visibility
We all know the power of being able to put a face to a name. If people meet you in person, they are more likely to think of you next time they are looking to outsource work, or whenever they are in need of the particular services that your business offers. Being approachable and friendly at networking events can help you establish your reputation, and build a good name for yourself amongst your industry.
Networking also allows you to enhance your visibility within your industry and draw more attention to yourself and the work that you do. Establishing yourself as intelligent, efficient, and supportive member of the industry increases your likelihood of receiving valuable leads and referrals, and allows you to achieve your most ambitious goals.
Improves wellbeing
Being a business owner or freelancer can sometimes be a lonely journey, and networking can help you feel more connected and part of a team. The global pandemic reminded us of the mental health benefits of interacting with people in person, rather than through a screen, and attending networking events is a great excuse to get out of your home or office and enjoy the feeling of face-to-face contact. Great for wellbeing, networking can help you make friends who will elevate your personal life, as well as your business ventures.
Boosts confidence
Approaching new people and successfully engaging in conversation naturally makes you feel more confident. It can help you improve your communication skills, and become more comfortable meeting people from all kinds of industries and backgrounds. The more often you practice networking, the easier it will become.
How to network at events
For some people, the idea of introducing yourself to a room full of strangers can seem scary. But there are a couple of things that you can do to make it feel less intimidating:
- Research who will be there and who you want to speak to.
- Prepare some topics of conversation, remembering that they don’t all have to be about work.
- Greet people with a smile and be friendly, welcoming, and courteous, and listen carefully to what they have to say without interrupting.
In the days following the event, connect with the people you met over email or LinkedIn. Dropping them a message straight away will ensure you are still fresh in their mind, and it sets the scene for your relationship to grow and develop even further.
At Cloud Spaces, we hold regular networking and personally and professionally informative events for all our members. This includes workshops in practical topics such as Golden Visas and mastering impromptu communication techniques, talks on public speaking and storytelling and making your business more sustainable, and many more varied and engaging events. Follow our socials to stay up to date with our upcoming events.
Follow our socials to stay up to date with our upcoming events.