The year is winding down and all you may be thinking about is gathering with your family members for some amazing holiday meals or even hunkering down with a good book and a blanket as Fall sets in. (We definitely are!) But before you completely retreat into holiday mode and turn all your attention inward to close out the year, don't forget to continue tending to your network. Networking is not easy, especially for those of us who are introverts, but it holds the key to so much growth for yourself and your business. Doing so can lead to finding new clients, strengthening relationships with fellow business owners, and supporting you in reaching your near and long-term goals. Here are some suggestions for successful networking:
Create a 30-60 second elevator pitch. Construct a short summary statement of your business, your target market, and how you can help potential clients. Make it short and concise to grab people's attention. Have it ready for anytime you meet someone new or come across potential clients.
Offer and Ask for Help. Let's face it, we all need help sometimes. As much as we may try, we're not superpeople. Turn to your network to offer assistance. Doing so will strengthen your relationships and will allow people to get to know you better. Don't be shy about asking for help as well. We can all benefit from the expertise and knowledge of someone else.
Attend a conference (or virtual conference) and introduce yourself. Conferences are great places to learn and obtain new resources. They are also great places to meet new people. The next time you attend a professional event, prepare ahead of time by reviewing the guest or panel list (if available) and learning more about them so that you may target networking with a few people instead of getting overwhelmed by the whole event.
While networking is important, remember that we are still undergoing a worldwide pandemic, so it is vital to exercise precaution.
We recently attended the National Latina Business Women Association-Inland Empire (NLBWA) Latina Entrepreneur In Leadership Awards (LEILA). We met some amazing people and had a great time. Thank you to NLBWA for hosting an amazing event! Check out the pictures below.
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