Three Most Important Reasons You Should be Networking for Your Small Business

By Leslie Radford

Key Takeaways

Business Leads and Referrals

Connections

Visibility

There are many reasons networking is important to your small business. It can help you build leads, get referrals, make important connections with people in your industry or community, build your confidence in connecting with others and, so much more. Networking can also help you identify opportunities for partnerships, joint ventures, or expanding your business.

Here are the three most important reasons you should be networking for your small business.

1. Business Leads and Referrals

It is vital to your business’s success that you acquire business leads and gain referrals. Without them, you do not have a business. You should use every social and professional opportunity to meet and connect with new people and use them to open doors for additional business opportunities.

People want to help others so make sure to communicate professionally when you follow up on leads and not badger them for business. Be sensitive to timing and use common courtesy when following up with contacts. When they discover you have value, are courteous, and feel they can trust you with their own network of people, then these connections will be more likely to send you referrals. These referrals will get you higher quality leads compared to the leads you get from marketing, and thus increasing your business. Remember, you’re in the business of building relationships first.

2. Connections

Networking can open the door to talk to highly influential people that can help grow your business. But it’s not just about who you are networking with directly either – that person will already have a network you can tap into as well. With the help of these connections, anytime you need something, you can easily call them to get some help that is needed. Whether you need a residential plumber, a business accountant, or anything else, somebody will know someone who can help you. Also, these people can give you advice on various matters that might help in improving your business.

3. Visibility

Meeting and communicating with potential clients and business partners on a regular basis will help maintain your business relationships. Attending networking events raises your personal profile and can help keep you front and center in the minds of the right people. You can build a reputation for yourself as a supportive, reliable, and knowledgeable person by offering tips and useful information to others.

When you have earned respect from everyone, you will get referrals much more easily. If you’re not out in your community spreading the word about you and your business, you will not be top of mind to those who may need your services or connections.

Networking

People do business with people they “know, like and trust”. The Chamber offers members many ways to network including breakfasts, lunch seminars, business after hours, Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting ceremonies, and other special events. Every person you meet has the ability to connect you to (potentially) hundreds more people. That means your professional network grows exponentially with each person you add. A strong professional network can introduce you to potential clients and trusted service providers and more. The chamber initiates more business-to-business commerce and more opportunities for networking and connecting local professionals than is available through most other local organizations.

Visibility

As a new member of the Chamber, you will be listed in the Chamber e-newsletter, on social media and have the opportunity to be highlighted in other chamber publications. You can grow your business by advertising with the chamber and sponsoring events. Chamber events are innovative and fun ways to help members meet potential customers, clients and vendors— and generate new business leads. The more events you attend, the more visible your company will be to the community.

Credibility

Membership brings credibility to your business. Many members of the community consider a Chamber membership to be a sign of a reputable and solid business. Consumers are more likely to do business with a company if it’s a member of their local Chamber. According a research study by The Schapiro Group, Inc. and Market Street Services, when consumers know that a small business is a member of their local Chamber, they are 44 percent more likely to think favorably of it and 63 percent more likely to purchase goods or services from the company in the future.

Discounts

As a Chamber member, you have access to the member database. This is a great way to reach out to other members, network and make referrals. You will also gain access to members-only discounts and services. You can list any news, promotions or events though the website and database system and offer other members discounts on your services.

Have a Voice

The Chamber represents the local business community, giving a voice to the membership’s ideas and needs. Chambers take on the tough issues and may oppose new regulations, taxes, assessments and costs that will negatively impact small businesses.

Learning

The Chamber has opportunities for members to attend training sessions, workshops, and seminars that will help your business succeed, such as sales, marketing, social media, networkings and more.

NuvoDesk is proud to be members of the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce and the Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce.

Join your local Chamber today!