NETWORKING

Accelerate your business with these expert tips on "Networking" - take a look and discover this TIP!

Networking is important for entrepreneurs because enables them to build valuable relationships and contacts that can help them obtain funding, customers, business partners, mentors, advice, emotional support and access to important resources. They can also learn from other entrepreneurs and receive constructive feedback. To build effective contacts at networking events, it is important to be authentic and have a clear strategy. Entrepreneurs should research networking events and choose those that appeal to their target audience. It is important to arrive early to have time to meet other attendees and be proactive in initiating conversations. It is also important to be prepared with business cards and a short, clear pitch about your business.

To maintain and strengthen the contacts established in networking, it is important to stay in touch and keep updated on your projects and achievements. This can include sending emails, making phone calls, scheduling meetings and attending upcoming events. It is also important to be helpful and offer assistance or resources whenever possible. Networking can help entrepreneurs raise finance by connecting with investors and other entrepreneurs who may be interested in investing in their business.

However, it is important to remember that networking is not a guarantee of funding and that the process of raising finance can take time and effort. Entrepreneurs can also seek advice and resources at networking events to improve their business plan and make their business more attractive to investors.

It is based on the establishing a professional network of contacts, which allows us to make ourselves known, both at a personal and company level. It is one of the most frequent practices in business and among entrepreneurs.

It consists of developing social skills with people physically (who may be clients or potential clients). Next to the skills in Social Networks (+). In addition to having skills in what is now known as the Soft-Skills (+).

What is Networking for?

• To meet potential customers.

To have the sufficient contacts will mean that many of them will be able to recommend the services of a particular user to a particular client.

• Increasing the visibility of companies.

By participating in networking events, the brand begins to to make yourself known in the marketThe aim is to increase the visibility of your products or services.

• Meet new suppliers or collaborating companies.

The chances of recruiting partners that help to improve services or products.

• Increase sales or the chances of obtaining a new job.

To have a increased networking will contribute to a better chance of getting a better job, as well as increase sales and therefore improve your results.

• Gain experience.

More contacts will also help to to have more knowledge at their disposal. In order to network, you must first establish a business or professional objective.

The right people should then be sought out through close circles.

MAIN METHODS OF NETWORKING:

• Congresses.
• Conference.
• Courses, workshops, etc.
• Conferences.
• Presentations (brand, product, etc.)
• Professional social networks, such as LinkedIn.

Social skills

Maintain social relations between people physically in order to empathise with them. Strengthen business and emotional ties that will ultimately lead to more business. And maintain virtual relationships on all possible social networks, to show what we do through videos, photos, posts,
articles, comments, everything related to have virtual activity.

Think of a social media profile as your own personal website!

Let's remember that everything on the net leaves a trace and therefore we are obliged to be viral with our contributions (God Google finds it and knows everything...). It has worked very well for us to have this type of relationship. Because, in the end, this is what our business is going to bring us!

It is also true that not everyone has the same empathising skills. But with a little effort and practice, these situations can be improved.

When we go to any event and there is a Networking with a Coffe-Break or a cocktail, I always say that it is the best time to do business. Having a coffee, a tapa or a glass of wine is perfect to break the ice and get to know the attendees (we always say that those who go have the same motivations as us).

We have achieved business, rapprochement and strengthening of relationships in these forums. So, We encourage every entrepreneur to get out of the workplace and face one of the most playful moments of entrepreneurship.

The best contracts are won at a working lunch, where at the beginning it is all good words, gestures, politeness, etc. As the meal progresses, everyone relaxes and enjoys the moment. I don't know if it's a glass of wine or a glass of beer that makes everything easier.

At the end of the lunch the situation changes, where serious and not so serious issues can be discussed. It is time to improve the agreements or negotiations.

Anecdote

One summer day while I was on the beach, my mobile phone rang with an unknown number, I picked it up and on the other end a man with a powerful voice, speaking with a solid tone and words, knowing what he wanted. We have a very pleasant conversation, as this man is very clear about things. Mentally, I concentrate on each and every one of the key words to see what his needs are without losing our perspective of what we can offer him. Before ending the call, I ask him how he found us, and he replies that he found us on the internet and on social media.

It has worked for us and we can say that more than half of our business has come from having a physical or virtual presence.