The vital role of networking for small business owners

In the dynamic world of entrepreneurship, small business owners are required to juggle multiple responsibilities and wearing countless hats to turn their dreams into reality. One powerful tool often stands out as a game-changer: networking.

This year I’ve really stepped up my networking, and have been attending numerous events - both in-person, locally and further afield, as well as online events.

Networking is the art of forging meaningful connections, and for small business owners, these connections can be the stepping stones to new opportunities, partnerships, collaborations, and even lifelong friendships. At the core of networking lies the potential to meet like-minded individuals who share your passion, values, and vision.

Importance of values

There’s definitely something to be said about the importance of shared values; some networking events are perceived as being stuffy and too formal or rigid - which is the opposite of my core values - I actively seek out fun. Also, a number of networking events that I attended at the start of my entrepreneurial journey were fuelled by wine, and as a non-drinker I didn’t love this.

So, I made the decision to create my own networking event. And what started as a brief passing thought, a few weeks later I was stood in front of a group of like-minded individuals sharing my story and having a laugh!

Running my networking events "Connect for a Cause" combines networking with a higher purpose; we're not only fostering business relationships but also creating a space for individuals to come together to support a local charity, the Prince and Princess of Wales hospice (where I volunteer most weeks). It highlights the idea that networking isn't just about personal gain – it's about making a positive contribution to the community.

Shared experiences

My business journey has been peppered with learning experiences, and I’m sure there will be more to come. Networking has helped introduce me to a diverse array of experiences and perspectives, enabling me to gain insights I might never have encountered otherwise. Whether it's learning about a new marketing strategy, understanding the nuances of a different industry - networking can expose you to a treasure trove of knowledge.

At each “Connect for a Cause” event I run, there is a guest speaker… and the speaker is either educational or inspirational. We’ve learned about the importance of branding from Julie Christie-Clark of Branding by Juls, and at our upcoming event the topic is social media and marketing strategy with Susan Ferguson of Sunshine Strategies.

Visibility

Visibility is a challenge many small business owners face. Networking can act as a beacon, shining a spotlight on your brand and what it stands for. Engaging in conversations, showcasing your expertise, and sharing your journey can all contribute to building your credibility within your industry.

You can also seek out opportunities to share your story to an audience at a networking event; something that I’ve done a handful of times (if you’d like me to speak at your event, you can enquire here). I also welcome people to pitch their story to me, if they’d like to present at “Connect for a Cause”.

Nurturing a supportive ecosystem

Entrepreneurship can sometimes feel like a solitary endeavour, with challenges that might seem insurmountable - this has been my lived experience at times over the last couple of years (and I’m confident that I’m not alone here)! Networking offers the opportunity to create a supportive ecosystem where you can find encouragement, empathy, and solutions. The connections you build can become your sounding boards and sources of inspiration.

The "Connect for a Cause" events take this nurturing aspect to a new level. By fostering an environment where individuals not only support each other's business endeavours but also rally around a cause that matters, we're cultivating a community that stands together in its pursuit of success and impact.

Keep inspiring, keep connecting, and keep making a difference – one meaningful connection at a time.