Small business networking events can help you find existing opportunities that may not be available through other marketing channels. Taking a consistent and professional approach to networking as part of a long term strategy can help you find out about:
- What other businesses can do for you.
- What opportunities exist to sell your products/services.
- What your competitors are doing.
Many business owners who are new to networking make the mistake of trying to sell to everyone they meet. No-one likes a pushy sales person. If you go to small business networking events with the mindset that you need to sell there and then you are likely to fail.
Network events - insights
- The purpose is to leave an impression not to make a sale.
- The people you meet are likely to know someone who can benefit can your products/services.
- The aim to to build long term relationships. Not to make a quick sale.
- Listen to your target market, listen to their needs, then fit your solutions to their business requirements.
Small business networking events can be free of paid for so even startup companies with a tighter budget can attend. That's not to say that some of the paid for events aren't worthwhile either.
Enterprise Network events cover the following areas:
- Manufacturing Network
- Finance & Professional Services
- Technology in Manufacturing
- Creative & Digital Industries
- Women in Business
- Innovation
Enterprise coaches and enterprise hubs also benefit early stage businesses. Growing a business in a recession can be tough but we're all in the same boat to get over to a small business networking event and talk to other business owners.