Are you an entrepreneur?
As part of the business community, you need to be able to survive and live among the intense and fierce competition while learning how to strategically get along. A business which manages to survive past the first few years, but does not learn how to get along with its peers, will usually go out of business.
But what does getting along mean in business terms?
It means networking.
Networking is the process of establishing contacts, links, and referrals with your fellow entrepreneurs and business peers. Networking can open up multiple opportunities for you as an entrepreneur and bring you considerable benefits in the process.
If you are curious about the how to network, then are here are the most commonly used channels and mediums available today.
1. Chambers of Commerce
Chambers of commerce are local business organizations and networks which serve to focus the viewpoint and perspective of the local business community.
They are formed to protect and advance the interests of the business community and it will be in your favor to join your local chamber. They present an opportunity to get to know and mingle with your fellow business peers. Additionally, if you participate in your chamber of commerce proactively, then it can yield a strong network chain.
2. Trade Shows
Industry trade shows are another prime opportunity where you can network and build a database of referrals and contacts.
Industry trade shows are attended by industry members, professionals, and players of all sorts. Additionally, trade shows are also known to attract stakeholder from far and wide. They are also events where you can freely roam around and ask questions and introduce yourself and ask for contacts without any worries.
3. Local Community Clubs
The little known fact about networking is that as an entrepreneur, you should take every social engagement and interaction as a networking opportunity.
You do not have to necessarily restrict yourself to just business organizations or events. Instead, you can join your local community club or neighborhood association.
You might find contacts and people of diverse disciplines and professions which you didn’t know about but who might prove to be useful aids for your business.
Maintaining friendly terms with a lawyer or customs expert can potentially save your business when in a pinch.
4. Business Conferences
Unlike trade shows which are more focused on unveiling new products or technologies, business conferences are more formalized and have keynote speakers from the business community. They may be about current affairs of the business community or lectures on some pressing change or an event to mingle and acquaint with others.
Business conferences are much more likely to get you high value contacts if you play your cards right.
5. Social Media
Social media is the most versatile and novel channel of networking today. Not only can you reach far wider networks with the help of social media but it also eliminates a lot of barriers of entry common to the networking process.
Social media makes it possible for you to grow a wide and organic contact network without meeting them in person your entire life.
Conclusion
Networking opens many doors for you as an entrepreneur and your business. We at Asentiv realize its value and work with our clients to teach and train them how to best make use of the available channels and expand their networks. You can visit our website here for more information on business networking and how we can you your business get better results.
