The power of connection is palpable. During a recent WBAL TV news feature on FSC First’s Level Up program, two of our participants met in person for the first time. The news segment successfully provided visibility for their businesses and fostered a potential partnership between them.
Growing your network is much more than just shaking a few hands or adding contacts to your LinkedIn; it is the cornerstone of developing relationships with other business owners that can lead to wisdom, insight, and new opportunities.
Need help kickstarting or taking your networking to the next level? Here are a few ideas to advance your skills and inspire new connections!
1. Get Involved!
The first step in creating any relationship is to put yourself out there, leading with positive intentions. In Prince George’s County alone, countless organizations host events to foster collaboration and relationships between business owners, including FSC First!
FSC First hosts the Level Up Fast Connections: Speed Networking for Business Success event series to engage the many entrepreneurs working with our organization and to promote further opportunities for all. Click here to explore upcoming FSC First events, events our partners are hosting, and find some that pique your interest. You never know what relationships may form!
2. Practice Your Elevator Pitch.
There is an art to effectively discuss your business without making the conversation feel like a sales pitch. As a business owner, you’re no stranger to telling your story. Still, it never hurts to practice your elevator pitch before meeting potential partners and inject your personality into the conversation—other entrepreneurs want to partner with people they like, not just good business owners!
3. Embrace Uncommon Partnerships.
Broaden the scope of your networking events in person and online to engage with a wide range of individuals! Unlikely partnerships can lead to innovative outcomes, so don’t be afraid to explore connections that might seem atypical for your business.
For example, a fitness center might partner with a local bookstore to host collaborative wellness events that combine physical exercise and mental stimulation. Where there is creativity, there are good partnerships that can mutually benefit both organizations’ audiences.
4. Networking is a Two-Way Street.
Your business brings a lot to the table, too! Think of ways your business can benefit your new-found community, not just how they can advance your initiatives. As you talk to other business owners, listen to their challenges and offer insight, suggestions, and support where possible.
5. Maintain Your New Relationships!
In our modern technological age, there are many ways to follow up with a new contact you’ve met in person! Whether you call, text, email, or use social media, make sure to stay in touch with your network beyond in-person events.
A quick email or call after an initial conversation can mean a lot. A simple, “Thanks for talking with me; I really appreciate your time and enjoyed connecting with you,” speaks wonders.
Remember, networking is about more than advancing your business. Other entrepreneurs want to know that you care about them as people. If you meet a business owner who mentions golfing on the weekends, note their interest and mention it in your next message. If you come across an article that reminds you of a conversation with a contact, pass it along to them (even if it is not tied directly to your respective industries). Building relationships is all about showing that you remember and value your network.
Looking for other ways to engage the local business community and grow your enterprise? Connect with the FSC First team to explore networking events and other business resources.
