In the early days of entrepreneurship who you know is just as, if not, more important than what you know. Building solid relationships with not only members of your niche market but also other companies within the same industry and even other industries are beneficial for the long-term growth and sustainability of any company. But what happens if you do not know anyone or where to start? That’s where networking comes in. Networking is an excellent way to add value to your business and your professional standing in several ways. Let’s examine 4 of them.
Knowledge is Power
There is a great deal of work that goes into building a business. In the beginning it is almost impossible to know how to do everything or get everything right. There will be hurdles and bumps in the road. But, recognizing where you may have gone wrong and learning from those mistakes is key and learning might involve figuring out where or who you need to go to for the solution. Networking provides business owners with the opportunity to meet people in other industries as well as their own. Networking events are also a great way to absorb information from experienced individuals who have spent years growing a successful business and therefore understand what is needed to succeed. The more valuable information you can absorb and retain from the events you attend and the people you meet, the better equipped you will be to manage challenges that arise while navigating through the world of entrepreneurship.
Build connections
Networking is an additional way to meet different people that may find beneficial to them. Additionally, it exposes your business to their network as well. Even if you meet someone who may not have a need for your business, theres the possibility that they know someone who might. Additionally, building a network of individuals opens the door to meeting individuals who are able to provide support in an area of need within your business structure.
Increased Opportunities
You never know who you might meet while attending a netowroking event. The great thing about these events is that you are exposed to people right at the beginning at their entreprenueural journey right up to individuals who have built several successful business and looking to invest and mentor the next generation. An opportunity to meet individuals such as this can be game changing for a new entrepreneur.
Build a Reputation
Attending networking events is also an excellent way to build a positive reputation not only for yourself but also for your business. The more events you do the more you as well as your business will be recognized. Recognition can be helpful in two way.s Firstly, when people know who you are, what you are about and what your business is, they will be more inclined to think of you should dale develop a need for a service you provide. Secondly, networking events offer opportunity for entrepreneurs to be invited as guest speakers to share their journey. When you make yourself known to the business world in yours and the surrounding communities, it is more likely that you will be invited to speak at an event which in turn will help increase your recognition, build confidence and increase your network. When it comes to individual character, being visible at networking events demonstrates dedication to your business, you brand and your willingness to seek opportunities for growth and to mentor others.
Ultimately, networking as much as possible is a excellent way to showcase your business and take your recognition within the community to the next level. Locally organizations such as Mississauga Board of Trade(MBOT) and Brampton Board of Trade offer regular networking events that focus on specific areas on business.
Co-working spaces like BriteSpace Offices, offer a variety of networking opportunities. Specifically at BriteSpace, we will be hosting Lunch-and Learn events to allow our members as well as community guest speakers to talk about their business and their journey as entrepreneurs. Stay tuned for our next article that will discuss the networking opportunities available at BriteSpace.