Everyone socializes and networks. As a small business owner, networking can reap many benefits that increase brand awareness, revenue, collaboration, and more.
So, how do you turn networking into a thriving business?
Use Social Media Apps or Sites
Using social media apps can help you find your target market. All social media marketing is different. What you post on Instagram or Snapchat may be inappropriate to post on LinkedIn. Tailoring your content to the site you are posting on is essential. Try out each app and see where your followers get the most engagement. Each like, share, or comment you receive builds your brand awareness.
Join Virtual and In-Person Groups
Collaborating with other entrepreneurs can help you increase your reach and revenue. There are multiple ways that you can collaborate with other small business owners. Matchmaking events in your local area or mutual organizations are the easiest. You can find someone within your niche to conduct a podcast, write articles, or more. Find groups in your industry or area of interest and use the networking tips in this guide to maximize your time and impact. Connect with like-minded people and fellow entrepreneurs at one of our chapters or live events.
You can also find ways to connect and collaborate using Facebook groups, like the MilSpouse Creative & Entrepreneur group). If you're a blogger who wants to write a guest post or a financial counselor seeking to put on a summit, you can find many other small business owners looking to establish their businesses in the market. Creating a campaign around your future collaboration can build up anticipation with your followers and theirs. Ultimately, you get introduced to their followers and meet new people, and the word-of-mouth results can increase your bottom line.
Volunteer Your Expertise
Giving back to the community should be an aspect of every entrepreneur's business. It shows your goodwill and helps you impact the community. Volunteering can help you develop new skills and generate publicity. It can also help you jumpstart your networking skills.
If you want to turn networking into a thriving business, put yourself and your business out there.
You only know the possibilities once you get involved and engaged with the community and your followers; networking events are a perfect way to achieve this. Once you start, it will be hard to stop reaping the benefits of your new and improved social networking skills.
💻 AMSE Action Item: Join the AMSE Slack channel to start networking today. Find events and advice, support other entrepreneurs, and socialize within your community!
Annette Harris
Annette Harris has been a noteworthy financial and human resources leader for over 14 years. She is a U.S. Army veteran and the Founder of Harris Financial Coaching. Annette can also be credited with volunteering with local and national nonprofit organizations that support the community through financial literacy education.