Getting Out There | Networking Tips for Small Business Owners

Do you struggle with meeting new people? As a small business owner I know how difficult it can be to find time; let's face it, entrepreneur life is often about juggling many tasks so interactions after hours just aren't easy to find. But do you actually know your fellow business owners and nearby retail shop owners well enough to plan a promotion or joint event? There is certainly value found in conversation and sharing of experiences and goals! Far too often we find ourselves shrinking into our own little worlds however, avoiding the social layers of our town or city and heck - sometimes even forgetting to venture out of our comfort zones and storefronts.

Making time to meet new people can have additional benefits beyond just knowing who to refer customers to. To me it seems that over time, unless we push ourselves to form connections and continually seek ways to grow, we may wind up feeling isolated from our business neighbors and the vibe of our local community. Plus, the opportunity to have others to vent to, share goals with or bounce new ideas off of isn't a bad thing either!

Decide to set some reasonable goals for the coming year. Think about it; if you were to make several new connections with local business owners each week, by the end of the year you'd have several dozen new contacts. Not everyone you come across may be the best fit for a close working relationship but that's okay too. Learning to establish multiple levels of network partners is a wise strategy, ranging from acquaintances to those with whom you may share a number of things in common. Keep an open mind and be receptive to the potential for growing your circle in a variety of ways.

Suggestions for building your circle:

• Invite a few folks over to your retail store for coffee and bagels one morning.
• Ask questions and find out what types of plans or events your entrepreneur neighbors feel passionate about.
• Set reasonable goals for yourself each week, such as visiting a nearby brick and mortar and chatting with the owner while you are there.
• Suggest a joint promotion, sidewalk sale or seasonal event for the town or Main Street community to participate in.
• Don't force it. Daily responsibilities may pile up from time to time or other people may need to cancel a date. If you can't hold a planned meeting or attend an event, consider a personal phone call or send a quick note to one or two folks just to stay in touch.

Here are a few articles and resources which I found useful and hope you will as well.

• Grow Your Circle Even If You Hate Networking
• 3 Reasons to Connect With Other Business Owners
• Networking For Nice People
• “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know”
• Community Connections are Premium Interaction

Thanks for reading! I hope you found some ideas which inspire you to get out there and make new connections in your local community. For more of my thoughts, tips and resources for small business and social media marketing, check out the social networks listed below too. Have a great day!


Sincerely,

A. Baumann
Marketing Delmarva

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