How Networking Can Help Your Mom-Run Business

Many people steer clear of networking, complaining that there are no ‘real results’. The biggest complaints come from having ‘no time’ to network, that events are inconvenient, and the cost of associations and groups are too exorbitant to participate.  However, I’d like to debunk this myth.  The fact is that successful networking is the fastest way to build your business and the fastest way to income for mompreneurs.

Networking is defined as…

According to Dictionary.com, a network can be defined as a fabric or structure of wires that cross at regular intervals, knotted or secured at the crossing, an interconnected or interrelated chain, group, or system, or an informally interconnected group or association of persons.

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The definitions bring to light some of the essentials of successful networking.

You need structure…

Many mompreneurs spend a lot of time ‘winging it’ while networking as opposed to setting up a structured approach and targeting certain events, relationships, and groups comprised of their ideal customers. Networking for the sake of networking does not produce the same results as targeted networking with groups of ideal customers. Structuring your networking events helps you manage your time and efforts, and will greatly assist your results because you can create repeatable procedures based on upcoming networking activities.

When you know where you’re going and have a setup procedure for follow up, your results will be much more palpable. As opposed to haphazardly showing up to an event, gathering a handful of business cards and throwing them in a drawer when you return to your office… never to be seen again. The conversion POWER of any networking event is only as good as your follow up procedure. Taking time to strategize what to do afterward and creating a communication procedure of high-touch points at least four times after an event will help people remember you, and may be the missing key to your success.

The power of one great referral…

When working with moms who run their own businesses, I often talk about the ‘Power of One’. I have a colleague (whom I’m now proud to call my good friend) who is single-handedly responsible for helping me get the following results:

Some tangible benefits…

The results of having a robust network can be felt in every way. When you have access to a powerful network, you can immediately tap into expertise. One expert can save you a TON of time and help you avoid many mistakes. You also have the potential to always meet new prospects. Meeting new prospects widens your net further to attract additional people.  A wider network provides you with more social visibility and proof of your expertise and results. As you network and create more results, your ‘reputation’ speaks for itself and before you know it you’ll have a tribe of people who know, like and trust you.  And, as your tribe grows, so does your wallet!

Does networking really convert into income?

With compelling evidence, it’s easy to see how focusing on your networking strategy can pay off in spades. With a properly thought out and executed strategy, you can avoid the pitfalls of wasted time, avoid inappropriate events and only focus on the networking opportunities that bring you real results.

One other key benefit to proper networking is the potential of ‘saving’ you precious time. As your network grows, so does your exposure to other experts in areas where you struggle.

In conclusion… as tempting as it may be to do everything yourself, is not the best way to run a business these days. When you’re in a startup, the need to create cash is too intense. If you’re creating, selling, marketing, developing, billing, following up, managing the schedule, creating the product and creating all the client-facing materials… two things are absolute: at some point you will make a mistake, and you will eventually burn out. If you build a big network, you’ll find MORE people who are happy to help – if only you ask. Using these networking tips and tricks has worked and will continue to work!

Please share your advice below!

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If your group could use a Networking presentation, go here to learn about our Speaking Topic: How to Convert Low-Cost Networking Into Big Income.

And for more networking tips:

• Listen to this podcast
• Go here for your free Helpful Networking Guide: 161 Low-Cost Networking Ideas for Business.
• Additional articles to explore are – Using Strategic Alliances for your Business, Relationships Build Business.