The truth of the matter is we don’t know unless we try.
When I first started my business I was a single mom, struggling financially, looking to provide the best life for my daughter. While it’s said that it can take years to accrue money as an entrepreneur, I didn’t have years to wait. I knew I needed to push past my comfort zone and get into as many networking events as possible in order to get my business off the ground. Connections are the cornerstone to success, because no one succeeds alone!
If you’re a new entrepreneur or a seasoned entrepreneur, I’m sharing my tried and true networking tips to build authentic relationships and a successful business.
- ASK for what you need.
Networking isn’t just about showing up, that’s only half of it. It’s also about asking for what you need. Always have a sense of urgency to get business. Are you looking for a client, a referral, media exposure? Whatever your goal is, set an intention before arriving at events and look to connect with those who can help get you there (and of course be prepared to reciprocate value to the connection as well!).
- Meet people where they are.
You may meet people who you instantly connect with and they have interest in doing business with you, but it’s just not the right time. Don’t write them off or take it personally, you never know what’s going on in someone’s life. Keep reaching out, keep being supportive, and continue to let them know you’re available when they are ready to invest.
When I first started out, I met this incredible man who was interested in my services, but financially couldn’t invest. Eventually he did and I was surprised to find out, long after the fact, that when we first signed the contracts to do work together he was living in the closet of someone else’s construction site. He said that’s how much he believed in me. I was so touched by his story and was so happy that I was able to help him repair his credit so he could thrive. He went on to become a multi-millionaire and we’re still good friends to this day!
- Good business is not transactional, it’s relational.
As your business grows and you become more and more successful, never forget about those who believed in you from the beginning. It may sound crazy, but I still have paper files in my office from decades ago that are special to me and I never want to forget. They keep me grounded. Never underestimate the power of remaining loyal to those who opened the door for you!
For more tips on growing a budding business, check out my latest book Making It Happen. I share my full entrepreneurial journey and what I learned along the way in the hopes it will inspire you to keep moving forward towards your dreams.
In the meantime, let me leave you with one of my favorite quotes: “Don’t wait for the perfect time, you will wait forever. Always take advantage of the time that you’re given and make it perfect for you.” ~ Daymond John
