How to develop your network to grow your business
Are you an extrovert who loves to get out to networking events and parties and meet a ton of new
people by talking to everyone and finding out everything about them?
Or, are you like me and prefer to stay in silence curled up with a a great book, especially after a busy day of work? This of course doesn't mean you don't like to go out and socialize once in awhile but it's where your happy place really is. Whether you are an introvert or extrovert when it comes to business developing a network of contacts and meeting new people is essential to growing your business so here are a few ideas on how to connect with new people who may end up being great prospects for you.
1) If you want to start developing a network of new people and you aren't quite ready to leave the comfort of your home then I suggest joining some Facebook groups. Find groups that are geared towards topics that you are interested in, introduce yourself and get to know people in the group.
2) Search for Meet-Ups that have been developed for people like you or where your ideal client may be hanging out. The nice thing about meet-up groups is that everyone is there for some common interest so you likely will have something to talk about to a few different people.
3) Join a formal networking group such a BNI. Many people I know have made great personal and business connections from attending formal networking groups. The nice thing about these types of groups is that there is usually some sort of structure to the event and you will likely be prompted in some way to meet new people and share your story rather that having to walk around a room full of strangers and introduce yourself.
I challenge, as I challenge myself this year, to put yourself into as many networking opportunities as possible this year. You never know who you might meet!
Hope this helps!
Rachel Joy Olsen, BSc., MBA
