5 Proven Networking Tips For Small Business Owners

Are you ready to take your networking skills to the next level? In this blog post, we're going to share five proven networking tips for small business owners that our guest, Nate Jorgensen, shared with us. These business networking tips and tricks will transform you into a "Go-Giver" during your one-on-one networking encounters.

While some people may consider these networking tips basic, they are the best networking tips that will help you make meaningful connections.

5 Best Tips for Networking as a Small Business Owner

Tip #1. Research Your Networking Partner

One of the biggest mistakes people make in one-on-one networking is showing up without doing any research on their networking partner. It's not enough to know their name or what they look like; you should aim to understand their background, role, target audience, and business activities.

Take time to learn about them and their goals. This research will enable you to have a more meaningful and productive conversation.

Tip #2. Give Strategic Introductions

Networking isn't just about connecting with others; it's also about helping them connect with the right people.

Be proactive in offering introductions to individuals who can benefit from knowing your networking partner. Identify their ideal clients, strategic centers of influence, and potential partners. By being a resourceful connector, you position yourself as a valuable asset in your network.

If you haven’t read books in the “Go-Giver” series, such as “The Go-Giver,” “Go-Givers Sell More,” and “The Go-Giver Leader,” we highly recommend them as they’ve completely transformed how we approach networking.

Tip #3. Share Valuable Resources

In addition to introductions, consider sharing valuable resources with your networking partners. These resources can be related to both personal and professional interests. Whether it's a business contact, a useful tool, or even a common hobby, sharing resources enhances your network's trust and camaraderie.

Tip #4. Teach and Educate Your Network

Use your one-on-one networking interactions as an opportunity to educate your networking partner about your business and ideal client.

Rather than focusing solely on selling your services, discuss the problems you solve and the pain points you address. Educate your network on who you like to work with and why.

This approach helps others better understand your business and makes them better equipped to refer potential clients your way.

Tip #5. Be Interested, Not Interesting

The key to successful one-on-one networking is to be genuinely interested in the other person. Instead of dominating the conversation with your achievements or interests, focus on asking questions and listening actively.

Aim to let your networking partner do 80% of the talking while you do 20%. This approach makes you a more appealing and memorable connection, and it helps build rapport and trust.

Conclusion

Mastering one-on-one networking involves much more than just collecting business cards. It's about building genuine relationships, being a resource for your network, and genuinely caring about the success of others. By following these five networking tips, you'll transform into a "Go-Giver" and enjoy the benefits of a strong and supportive network. And don't forget to check out our free master class on creating online courses to enhance your business skills further. Thank you for reading, and be sure to like and subscribe for more valuable content.

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