How to Start Networking

The ability to confidently network doesn’t come naturally to everyone so don’t be too hard on yourself if you’re feeling daunted by the prospect of having to try to build a connection with multiple strangers at a conference or event. 

It’s a pretty scary thought to even the most extroverted business owner, and if you’ve never done it before, the idea of a bunch of suits shoving business cards in your face isn’t all that enticing.

Thankfully, networking is not actually like that - well, for the most part.

The thing is, there’s so many different types of networking, from speed networking events to connecting on LinkedIN, relaxed communities such as VSBN, or more formatted groups like BNI for example.

That means that you can expect something different wherever you choose to explore, but a few things should always remain the same, and are worth keeping in mind:

• Everyone is there for the same reason
• It’s in everyone’s best interests that you have a good time
• No one is an expert at everything
• We are all humans
• It’s likely that others are feeling just as self conscious as you are, so relax!

Particularly with us, at VSBN, we tend to go for a community vibe with less structure and no pressure to make referrals, so you just focus on meeting others in a more natural setting.

Still, for those uninitiated with networking, it can be a daunting prospect to consider, so let’s see if we can make it a little less scary for you.

How to Get Started in Networking

So, you’ve decided to check out some networking events, great! Below are several other ways to help you gain your confidence to network successfully:

Relax

Try to prepare yourself by doing a breathing exercise and think of some good conversation starters – these don’t need to be about the industry, it could be something like the event or even hobbies you enjoy. It’s all about the starting point and don’t forget, everyone is human! 

Prepare

When attending a networking event, business cards are going to be exchanged so make sure you have something to carry your own business cards in, and something that you can store the ones you are given in. 

Even if you don’t have business cards just yet, make sure your LinkedIN is up to date or you at least have a pen and paper handy to get contact information.

If you are the type of person to get flustered when talking to a stranger, try to rehearse responses prior to the event or even plan topics in advance that you are confident or enjoy talking about. 

Have a target

Networking is about developing business relationships, not just socialising so have an end goal.

It could be the amount of people you want to talk to or the amount of business cards you exchange. 

Just remember not to be too hard on yourself and don’t set yourself an unrealistic goal that leaves you feeling like you failed at the end of the night if you didn’t achieve it. 

Engage with others

Networking is your chance to get your brand out there. Don’t sit in the corner by yourself, take a breath, smile and go and engage with someone. Don’t just talk, listen too. Talking and listening allows for a connection to begin to grow and to establish whether their business can be an asset to you in the future and likewise with your business to theirs.

Take notes

Not everyone has a good memory and there are many people that attend events so if you need to, don’t be ashamed of taking notes if it’s something that may help you later. 

Follow up

If you engage with someone who may be valuable to your business then take the step to contact them in the couple of days following the event and strike up a conversation with them about how your company can help theirs or how you would like more information on what they can offer you. 

It’s best to do this while riding the high from the event so you don’t lose momentum!

Want to Start Networking?

Professional networking can lead to a wide range of opportunities when done correctly. The secret is in the giving and receiving; if you are willing to assist others, there is a good probability that they will assist you in return.

Don’t overthink it. Just turn up with your best attitude and some business cards if you have them.

To find out about more small business networking opportunities, head over to our events page to see what’s coming up!