Do you ever actually stop networking?

It sounds like one of those charity marathons. Networking-a-thon: Join us for 24 hours of non-stop networking. Never let the room go quiet! I think our ladies could manage that…

What I mean when I say we never really stop networking is that so much networking happens beyond the allotted session. Most of the money generated through networking is made outside of the room in one-to-ones, meeting up for coffee and messages of “I know someone who needs your help!”

The networking meeting is the starting point and a regular checkpoint. It’s where you first meet other women business owners and then catch up each month on what’s going on and new offers.

But it doesn’t end there. When you keep interacting outside the meeting, you really get to know each other and that leads to clients and sales. You understand and trust each other enough to either buy products and services yourself or refer other people (or a bit of both!) 

So, what can we do outside of meetings to get more from networking? 

Ways we network outside of meetings

You’re probably already doing a lot of these because I know you’re an amazingly supportive bunch. Nevertheless, here’s a reminder of the little things we can do outside meetings that strengthen our connections. 

One-to-Ones

How many times have you been in the middle of a great conversation with someone at networking but you ran out of time? Or someone said something to the group that caught your attention. Of course, you want to follow up afterwards with a one-to-one, going more in-depth than you had time for in the meeting. 

These follow-up conversations are a key step in building meaningful connections through networking. And they’re a lot of fun too! It’s how I got close with some of my best business friends. 

Messaging

We usually exchange contact information at networking so we can follow up with people. Even just pinging over a quick message helps. Ask them how the event they were preparing for went or share an article related to something you talked about. I love having these conversations with other women entrepreneurs! There are some things I can’t talk about with anyone else because they don’t get it. 

A simple email or message could spark a great conversation that allows you to understand each other better, making it easier for you to refer each other business. 

Social media interactions

When you see your fellow networkers shout about their business online, join the chorus. Interact with the post - like, comment, share - to help more people see it. Visibility is a numbers game to some extent and an encouraging comment serves as a trust indicator. Maybe someone in your network will see it and reach out to them.

It’s worth a shot because at the very least it builds the relationship and keeps you top of mind. 

Introducing referrals

Some of the most powerful networking we do outside of meetings is introducing referrals to other women business owners. At any time, you could hear someone talk about a problem that you know one of your fellow networkers solves and put their name in the ring. All it takes is a quick email to introduce them.  Before you know it, they will be doing the same for you and your business.

During a girl’s night out, the weekly food shop or taking the dog for a walk, you could end up in a conversation that leads to a referral. So we really are networking 24/7.

Whether we’re organising a one-to-one, replying to messages, scrolling social media or out and about, our networking brains never fully switch off. It’s a continuous process of building and maintaining strong relationships with a group of supportive women business owners. Some days, that means leaving a funny comment under their post. Another time, it could be introducing them to their biggest client yet. 

Like the idea of being part of a group of women business owners who build real, supportive relationships? Why don’t you give Small Business Vibes a go? We have meetings across the country and online. We like our networking to be fun, friendly and fast-paced. Book a meeting and we’ll see you there!