Networking is the new buzz word. Freelancing gurus are constantly talking about how important it is for freelancers and entrepreneurs to network in order to make new connections and increase their clientele. A surge of networking events are popping up around the world providing freelancers and small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) entrepreneurs with opportunities to forge new relationships. The excitement may trick you into believing that networking is just a fad…just another trend that may fade over time. It isn’t.
The importance of networking isn’t a new phenomenon and has been a key aspect of building businesses and brands for decades. Frank Sonnenberg, former Director of Marketing in the Management Consultant Group at Ernst and Young and acclaimed author, points out a critical element of networking that most of these discussions tend to miss. He argues that networking should focus on building lasting relationships instead of launching a personal marketing campaign.
Therefore, the benefits of networking must be discussed in this context, i.e.,networking that is effective and builds lasting relationships. The Nexxub team wants you to experience these 5 benefits of networking that will enable you to build lasting relationships with new connections.
You know that the products and skills you provide are highly valuable. So, it’s difficult for you to understand why more people aren’t knocking on your door eagerly wanting to become paying customers. The real problem may be that not enough people know about your brand. Networking forces you to step out of your comfort zone and make your brand visible.
The trick is to avoid launching a personal marketing campaign while networking. Sure, increasing brand recognition is important. However, balance is crucial. It’s important for you to spend time having meaningful conversations with the people you meet at networking events. Learn more about who they are and what their businesses are about. Show genuine interest in wanting to learn more about them. Doing this makes it easier to identify commonalities that will form the foundation of a lasting relationship.
Practicing value-added networking helps you find people with whom you can build mutually beneficial partnerships. Value-added networking involves taking the time to have meaningful conversations with people you meet at networking events. As previously mentioned, these conversations will help you identify commonalities. This then leads to answering the following questions:
You may not necessarily find someone at a networking event who works in your niche. However, you’ll meet professionals, entrepreneurs and freelancers with more experience. Building relationships with people with more experience helps you create an invaluable knowledge resource bank. There are many lessons to learn.
Conversations with new people can spark fresh ideas. You may identify a need in the market that you were previously knew nothing about. Your business may just be able to fill this need. In fact, this new addition to your product or service offerings may be just what your business needs to catapult it towards success.
You may just meet the right person at a networking event who has the network you need. This person may be so excited about you and what you offer that the word is spread to other highly influential people. It’s a domino effect that, if you leverage it well, can lead to a big boom in your business.
Value-added networking is the best way to experience the true benefits of a networking experience. Ultimately, networking helps you creating lasting relationships that enrich your entrepreneurship experience. You’ll possibly experience brand recognition, new partnerships, building of a resource bank, generation of fresh ideas and free word-of-mouth advertising.
Sounds exciting right? Nexxub hosts networking events monthly that bring entrepreneurs in central Jamaica together. Follow our social media pages our visit our website to get the latest news about upcoming events.
