July 14, 2023 BY WorkSocial Press and Editorial
The importance of networking is an open secret in the corporate, startup, and general professional world. In the entrepreneurial world, networking in entrepreneurship has been found to have contributed as much as 78% of total efforts towards success.
According to LinkedIn, 79% of professionals agree that networking is valuable for career progression, yet only 48% consistently keep in touch with their network. The same study also states about 38% of professionals find it challenging to stay in touch with their network.
Coworking spaces are great places to network and even enable you to stay in touch. These vibrant work environments provide a fertile ground for forging connections, collaborating with like-minded individuals, and unlocking new opportunities. Entrepreneurs have formed valuable business partnerships, acquired new clients, and gained access to essential resources for growth through coworking spaces. A not-so-small secret behind why networking in coworking spaces is usually more successful is the common mindset of everyone present. You are networking with entrepreneurs, meaning they all are eager for growth, knowledgable, possess diverse skill sets and are eager to share.
For networking to be successful, it requires regular effort and consistency and a coworking space is designed to provide you with a structure to overcome these hurdles and foster stronger connections. It provides daily opportunities for casual interactions, at somebody’s desk, in the breakout area or one of several shared spaces. Open floor plans, shared common areas, and communal spaces provide natural opportunities for entrepreneurs to connect, engage in meaningful conversations, and build professional relationships.
Coworking spaces also offer structured programs for networking for entrepreneurs through various events. These spaces organize dedicated networking events, workshops, informal social gatherings and many more to create platforms for entrepreneurs to network effectively and showcase their expertise, exchange insights, and form valuable partnerships.
1. Set clear networking goals:
Just like you create a clear business plan for your venture, have a clear plan of action and goals to be achieved through networking. This is even more crucial when attending formal or organized networking events. This allows you to channel your efforts on the right path and make intentional connections that align with your objectives. These goals can include finding potential clients, partners, mentors or even investors.
2. Research potential connections:
You can check the coworking space member directory or guest list for an event and identify who you want to connect with to achieve your goal. By doing your research, you can engage in interesting conversations, offer them something in return and form powerful connections. Remember, seek to give in the beginning rather than asking. If you can gain an understanding of what they need, it will be easier to form a connection.
3. Craft your personal brand:
If you can achieve this, you will stand out from the crowd and people will want to network with you rather than you approaching them. This involves crafting a powerful elevator pitch, highlighting your unique value proposition and the problem you solve for your target audience. Showcase your expertise, experience and ability in this pitch. Along with this, remember to listen to the other person. You may just find a ready client or uncover a potential new use case.
4. Active listening is key:
This is the most crucial and underplayed tactic in effective networking for entrepreneurs. Do you like to be asked about your venture, expertise and given a chance to shine? Well, so does everybody else. Don’t seek to hog the limelight, give equal opportunity to others to shine. Ask thoughtful questions, show curiosity about their work, and actively listen to their responses. This not only helps you build stronger connections but also allows you to learn from their experiences and insights.
5. Be genuine and authentic:
When networking with entrepreneurs, remember, they too, just like you, can spot a hustler from a mile away. You don’t want to fake it with this crowd. Be authentic and you will be appreciated. Not every conversation will lead to something but a genuine connection can become a million dollar opportunity in the future.
6. After-sales (follow-up) is just as crucial:
Just like in a sales process, follow-up is crucial in entrepreneurial networking too. And in a timely manner. Send a personalized message expressing your interest in continuing the conversation or exploring potential collaboration. This ensures that you are not forgotten and is a good step in fostering a mutually beneficial relationship.
1. Start with Small Steps:
Begin by challenging yourself to approach one or two individuals at each networking event. Start with people who seem approachable or those who are standing alone. Gradually increase your comfort level by expanding your interactions over time.
2. Find Common Ground:
Look for common interests, shared experiences, or topics related to the event or industry. Use these as conversation starters to break the ice and establish a connection. It could be as simple as discussing the event itself, asking about their business or background, or seeking their opinion on a relevant industry topic.
3. Practice Active Listening:
Don’t think about what’s worrying you, focus on the other person and listen to them. Let your curiosity get the better of you and get in the zone of absorbing knowledge. You are no longer having a conversation but merely listening to them. This should help alleviate the pressure on you.
4. Attend Smaller Group Activities:
Talk to the organizers to understand the potential number of attendees for an event. Register for one that falls in your comfort zone. This can include limited seats workshops, round table sessions etc.
5. Volunteer in Activities:
Search for volunteer-required events where people have not come with a single-minded focus of networking but rather getting a task done. Networking is incidental and more organic in such a setting. This is most akin to a regular day in the office where you are interacting with other people for work and using that as a base to build relationships.
You don’t have to be the most outspoken or outgoing person to network effectively. You simply have to be genuine, bring your value-add to the table or conversation and understand a mutually beneficial goal. Remember, it’s not about quantity but the quality of your network.
Remember, successful networking is not about being the most outgoing person in the room but rather about building meaningful connections. Focus on building rapport, finding common ground, and being genuinely interested in others. With practice and patience, you can overcome your initial hesitation and become more comfortable and successful in networking situations
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