9 Business Networking Tips to Meet New People From Successful Business Owners

As a small business owner, you have a lot to juggle. So meeting new people may not be on the top of your to-do list.

However, if you want to take your business to the next level, you can't ignore the power of business networking, which allows you to establish relationships with other business people and potential customers. 

Here's why you should invest in business networking and how you can make the most of the opportunities:

Why Meeting New People Helps Your Business

The long-term success of your business is defined by the people you know and the relationships you have. Here's why it's beneficial to network with others and build business relationships:

• Meet new prospects and generate referrals to get high-quality leads.
• Identify opportunities and create strategic alliances for partnerships, joint ventures, cross-promotions, or new areas for expansion.
• Increase visibility to raise your profile and stay top-of-mind. 
• Build trust and credibility with prospective customers.
• Get the latest on market conditions and industry trends to stay current, relevant, and competitive.
• Find solutions to your business needs by meeting people with the right skills and knowledge. 
• Share knowledge, experience, and resources to shorten the learning curve.
• Boost your confidence and morale by forming new friendships and getting support from like-minded people.

Now that we know just how important networking is, let's take a look at how to meet business owners like you and build quality relationships.

How to Make Useful Contacts When Networking

Wondering where to meet business owners? You can meet new people both online and in-person. From traditional networking events for local businesses to social media groups, there are many opportunities you can leverage to develop relationships with prospective customers and potential partners.

Wonder what really works for small business owners? We asked Alignable members to share their best tips on business networking:

1. Listen, but When You Do Speak, Say Something Memorable

Matthew Sockolov from Mindful Marketing says, 

"I have found it effective to ask questions and do a lot of listening. Even though I may not be able to tell them all about my business, it makes a lasting impression, as people enjoy the company of those that are present and attentive."

When you listen and ask questions about the other person, you show that you care. Being attentive will make a positive impression that naturally makes them want to learn more about your business as well, and in creating a relationship, keep you top-of-mind for future business.

2. Treat Everyone You Meet Like a Friend

Event project manager Amanda Said advises, 

"It comes down to providing value whenever I can and being genuine. My longest-standing relationships have been the ones in which I approached the person as though they were a long-time friend I hadn't seen in a while. I always do what I can for a friend. The important ones will notice."

People are busy, and they don't want to hear another pitch or more sound bites. Instead, show that you appreciate them taking the time to talk with you by adding value and making the interaction personal. Staying down-to-earth will go a long way in building a lasting and fruitful relationship.

3. Earn Trust with Potential Clients and Customers - As a Speaker!

Maureen Tamillow, the owner of Maureen P Tamillow Lcpc, shares, 

"I go to conferences and I am a presenter at some... When people see me, and/or hear me, they have a higher comfort level of recommending me to a friend or family member."

Attending and speaking at workshops and conferences helps you increase visibility and stay top of mind. It also allows you to build instant trust and credibility to turn more prospects into customers.

4. Always Have Something to Talk About by Staying Up-To-Date

Dorte Kargut, CAP a Virtual Executive Assistant says, 

"I try to stay up to date on industry news so that I have valuable insights to give when the opportunity arises... It enables great conversations and that’s usually all it takes to make connections. When you do a follow-up call or email, people will remember you."

Staying current with the world at large is also helpful when you're "stuck" in a conversation and need to change subjects. Also, sending a follow-up email with an in-depth piece of related information you have written for your blog or a publication is a great way to build credibility and deepen the relationship.

5. Overcome Networking Shyness With a New Mindset

Dr. Hank from Agent Wealth Success advises, 

"It's all in your mind and you have the power to change your mind. You can start by using different words that are easier and softer such as 'opportunity calls' instead of 'cold calling.'"

Setting the right intention can help you change your mindset and overcome the shyness that holds many people back from networking successfully. When you have the right mindset, you can stay relaxed. Remember, many people get networking jitters - figure out how you can make everyone around you feel comfortable as well!

6. Create a Mastermind Group with Fellow Business Owners

Stacee Magee from the Institute of Intuitive Energy Healing & Life Coaching says, 

"I have monthly Mastermind dinners where we meet and share ideas with other business owners and it has been very powerful!"

You don't need to wait until someone in your area organizes a networking event! Gather a few like-minded professionals or business owners and get the ball rolling with a get-together to exchange experience and share knowledge.

7. Start a Meetup - And Keep Attendees Active!

Marty Dickinson, book producer at Produce My Book, chimes in, 

"One of the best ways to network in person is to BE the Networking Venue! Anyone can start a meetup.com group, come up with a topic to focus on, and start networking events to attract people you want to work with."

Plus, you can combine networking with something fun. For example, Marty started a weekly networking-while-skiing group that got participants to interact in a relaxed setting and build lasting relationships.

8. Make Relevant Introductions to Build Stronger Relationships

Miriam Moorman from Miriam Moorman / TX Licensed Realtor recommends, 

"Try listening to what other people are looking for and seek out a manageable number of people whom you can actually help. Listen to what they need or who they are trying to meet... Then go through your personal database and see who you could introduce them to."

By connecting your new contacts with someone who can be beneficial to their careers or the growth of their businesses, you're adding value and building goodwill to strengthen your relationships with these individuals while positioning yourself as a resourceful ally.

9. Always Follow-Up with New Contacts

Tana Walker, a relationship marketing strategist with SendOutCards, advises, 

"The best way to make personal networking successful is in the follow-up... It is what you do with the [business] cards after the meeting.  Are you reaching out after the meeting? Are you thanking someone for the connection? Are you putting time into possible business relationships?"

To make your post-networking follow-up more powerful, take note of a few facts about each person you meet so you can mention something personal or share a relevant resource in your follow-up emails to help you stand out. 

The same is true online. Are you participating in a great conversation on Alignable or another social media platform? When following up, call-out what about that professional's comments or article made you want to get in touch. Then follow some of the same tips above - ask questions, provide industry advice, or offer to make a meaningful introduction!

The Bottom Line

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” ~African Proverb

Business networking can help you meet the right people and build lasting business relationships that help you succeed. It's important to focus on quality over quantity -- when you pay attention and add value in each interaction, you'll attract the right partners and customers to grow your business.

What are your best networking tips for small business owners? Share where you meet business people in the comments.