As an impact-driven entrepreneur, networking can be a great way to build partnerships, connect with mentors, and identify opportunities for funding. But when you’re new to the world of business ownership, networking can be a daunting task. What can you actually do to meet other entrepreneurs? How do you build business relationships while remaining true to your authentic self? And what even is networking in the first place? In this month’s blog, we break down the answers to these questions and provide actionable steps you can follow to begin building your own professional network.
Amidst an entrepreneurial culture which touts the outcomes of networking—securing major funding and landing big deals—it can be easy to forget about the basic social relationships from which these outcomes arise. At its core, networking is about building authentic connections with other people. Like all human relationships, these connections take time and their long-term impact isn’t always clear from the outset. Oftentimes, the value of your professional network becomes clear further along in your business journey in ways you might not expect. Since networking is really a process of building human relationships, here are some ways you can begin meeting other impact-driven entrepreneurs.
Four Ways to Grow Your Network
1. Start with the People You Know
As a beginning entrepreneur, it can be intimidating to speak about your venture with total strangers. To build your confidence, start by talking with people you trust. Sit down with friends or family members, deliver your business’s elevator pitch, and ask for questions and feedback. By beginning your networking journey in a socially comfortable environment, you’ll hone your pitching skills and learn to talk about your business under pressure.
2. Join a Local Organization
Getting involved with communities of people dedicated to a collective mission is a great way to naturally grow your network. Joining an organization dedicated to entrepreneurs, such as a local chamber of commerce, is a great first step to building connections. For impact-driven entrepreneurs, volunteering with a mission-aligned nonprofit is also an effective way to meet like-minded members of your community. Not only will volunteering put you in contact with people who might share your business’s mission, but you’ll also be able to help others along the way!
3. Try an Accelerator Program
Here at SEED SPOT, we know from first-hand experience that participating in a quality business accelerator will quickly grow your professional network. While our low-to-no cost programs are a great choice, there are a variety of high-quality, affordable accelerator programs across the country. Many of these programs are community-based, and offer in-person networking events. Participating in one of these programs can help you meet other entrepreneurs and build relationships with mentors who can help you navigate the tumultuous process of starting a business.
4. Leverage Social Media
Social networking websites are another effective way to spread the word about your business and connect with members of the entrepreneurial community. Start by making an account on LinkedIn, a social media site dedicated to professional networking. As a member of the site, you can post about your business and virtually chat with other professionals in your community. Additionally, a growing proportion of entrepreneurs are turning to non-traditional social media platforms as a means of growing their businesses. Posting about your business on sites like Facebook or TikTok exposes your business to a larger audience, potentially resulting in the growth of your professional network.
Ultimately, the key to networking is putting yourself out there. You can’t build professional connections unless you take the first step and introduce yourself to people in your community. Just remember: start with people you know, build your confidence, and, when you’re ready, seek out situations where you can meet new people who share your passion!
