Much is made of social media marketing for business these days. Twitter streams, blog posts and even books are full of information about how you can build a successful business with social media marketing.
Even much of our relationship building is done through social media. LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and blogs are all used to meet and build relationships with competitors, colleagues and potential clients. You can run a successful business without ever leaving your home office or even speaking to another person.
Does this mean that attending in-person networking events and participating in networking groups is unnecessary and out of date?
Not at all.
Unless your business is 100-percent online and you will never have a client who lives or works anywhere near your geographical area, in-person networking can still benefit your business. Meeting and getting to know other members of your business community, whether they are competitors, associates or potential clients can not only help you build your business locally, but establish you as an authority in your field, both locally and online.
Here are three ways you can benefit from in-person networking.
Support
Being a solo entrepreneur or working from home can be very isolating. People who work in offices with co-workers or employees have regular business and social contact. Solo entrepreneurs do not. Being able to associate with other people in similar circumstances can help you build a support network and eliminate the isolation that can lead to business failure.
Partnerships/Collaboration
While being a solo entrepreneur is great and rewarding, strategic partnerships and collaborations can be even more profitable and rewarding. While it is entirely possible to develop such projects through online networking, many people are far more comfortable entering into such arrangements with someone they actually know. The trust factor in a relationship, whether business or social, is often easier to establish in person than online. Also, the logistics of a partnerships where the partners are close enough to meet in person can be much simpler.
Speaking/Teaching Opportunities
Most entrepreneurs know that one of the quickest ways to become established and acknowledged as an authority in your field and to grow your business is through teaching or through speaking opportunities. While most event organizers are not likely to spend money to bring in an untested, untried speaker, many local chambers of commerce, civic groups and business associations will welcome a speaker who is willing to speak for a nominal fee or even free, giving you the opportunity to hone your skills and promote your business to many local influencers who may become clients or who may refer you to others who will become clients.
These are just three ways that local, in-person networking can help you grow your business. Have you had any other positive experiences with networking? Please share in the comment section below.
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Excellent article Marie, and you are so right! As great as online relationships are, there is nothing that can replace the real-life, face-to-face meeting. It’s the quickest, easiest, and best way to find friends, jv partners, and clients. The best of all worlds is taking your strong online connections and meeting them offline!
Jennifer recently posted..Why You Need a Business Card and What it Should Look Like
Business owners constantly look for ways to increase profits and customer lists. Marketing, promotions and products are only a few of the ways to keep your customers coming back.
Sheila recently posted..M3 breakup solution system
I realize now more than ever how important networking and building relationships can be in the success of your business!!
Jamie recently posted..The Importance of a Tripod!
It’s so easy to get fixated behind the computer and not connect in person. I love your idea about securing speaking gigs. Great post, Marie!
Interesting post. You’re right that working from home can be isolating. That’s something I usually welcome (the solitude), but I can definitely see how networking could open some doors for me. Any advice on finding good networking events in my area? I’m not even sure I’d know where to start looking.
Nisha recently posted..Just For Today: Go For A Walk After Dinner
Nisha, I totally understand. I am one of those people who really enjoys my time by myself, but I have also learned that life is richer when you add good people to the mix. For networking opportunities, you might start with meetup.com or with the Main Street Chamber. Both offer free networking events and groups. Main Street Chamber is a free organization for small businesses and meet-up has groups for every interest. I have found both to be immensely helpful in building my network.
Thanks for the helpful tips Marie! I’m finally starting to branch out and do work for local people here after working exclusively online for the last several years. It’s definitely a change, but a lot less lonely too.
Helena recently posted..Building Self-Confidence Through Meditation
I’ve learned, Helena, that not only does networking help with the business growth, but it is good to have support from fellow entrepreneurs who are in similar situations and who “get” what you do. Often, our friends and family in more traditional work situations just don’t understand the challenges or the draw of entrepreneurship.
GREAT post Marie! I will be trying to set up a Networking group here in SW Saskatchewan, so these are all good points.
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