Network for your Networth.

“Networking is not about just connecting people. It’s about connecting people with people, people with ideas, and people with opportunities.” 
― Michele Jennae

So, networking huh? Obviously, I must share my experiences with you! I started my business with nothing but a laptop and my knowledge.  My business took off in the blink of an eye and here’s how, BY NETWORKING. Someone always knows someone who knows someone. A couple shares on people’s Instagram story, some amazing reviews and referrals and now I’m always overbooked. Networking truly made my business what it is today, and I am eternally grateful for every share, like and follow. 

 

When you think of the word networking, you immediately think of talking to a group of people and that’s exactly what it is. However, the entrepreneurial trick is HOW you communicate with individuals. Whether it’s your client, your staff, yourself, be respectful, show some interest and compassion. If you’re rude or impolite, no one is going to want to do business with you. They’ll find an alternative source. So tip #1: Talk to people in the manner you’d want someone to talk to you. A little “hello”, “good day”, “hi there, I’m interested in…” WILL NOT HURT YOU. By the way, these are basic manners and I’m sorry to say but some people, business owners and customers have not mastered this. This is the era of social media, your tone of writing to someone should also be courteous. Add an emoji if you think you’re frank. Communication is key and whether you like it or not, it is mandatory when operating a business.  Entrepreneurs are good communicators. - Learn to be respectful and courteous. Learn to ask for more information and learn to GIVE more information. 

Speaking of, NOBODY LIKES TO "INBOX FOR PRICE." If you're providing a service where the price varies then that's acceptable. But if you have a product, and your caption says inbox for price, then that stirs up some uncertainties. What's worse is the delayed replies or no replies at all. Trust me, I know some customers are really difficult to deal with, and there are times where you rather not respond to them, but they are what keep your business running. One little social media post and they can shut you down. The internet, it's a wild wild place. You HAVE GOT TO BE CAREFUL when running a business online. One screenshot, and game over. 

It's time you accept the hard truth, you cannot function alone. You need your workers, you need your suppliers, you need your customers, you are dependent on them. It's the natural business equation and  you need to accept that the word "independence" does not exist in business.  

To build your brand, your reputation, boosting your customer service and clientele requires interaction with others. Support your small-business owners even though you yourself are a small business owner. It's a competitive environment but it doesn't have to be that way. You, as a business owner WILL have to adopt a series of skills, but face it, there are people out there who are professionals in the field and truth be told, you need them. It took me a while to understand this. I believed I could and I did, but certain things weren't up to the standard that I wanted. Remember, YOU ARE YOUR BRAND (I should update my slogan to this lol). You need others. You cannot be independent in the field of business. 

Communicate and Collaborate. One positive thing emerging from social media businesses are the collaborations that occur. And quite frankly, it warms my heart to see businesses partnering with each other to help grow each other's network. Yes that's right, the give-away. A perfect way to create friendships, build your follower base and gain some social media recognition is by teaming up with another small business to host a giveaway. It's a marketing strategy that one should seek to adopt. It reflects your creativity as an entrepreneur and it's also a way to give back (also, another post that you should look out for). 

Entrepreneurs are risk takers. Like I said, YOU CANNOT OPERATE ALONE. Eventually, things will become overwhelming and you'll need to hire someone, whether it's someone to be your social media manager or someone to be your personal assistant or even to do deliveries etc. The workload gets tough sometimes and the stress is annihilating...(Look out for an upcoming post on this). Go ahead, take the risk and hire someone. Believe me, it will be worth it and it is indeed life changing. 

Another substantial component regarding your network is the platform that you choose to operate on. Having a physical location is the dream, but, in this paradigm of oneness and unity, social media is where you find your customers. Times have changed and you either adapt or it's game over for you too. 

Entrepreneurs are decision makers. DO NOT MAKE THE DECISION OF GOING INTO BUSINESS WITH YOUR FRIENDS. You know how they say "Keep your circle small," well I'm telling you to keep your friendship circle, exactly what it is, a circle. While it may be all fun and games and the idea of working with your besties sound like an adventure, do not do it. I repeat, DO NOT DO IT. Sure, you can collaborate on a few projects but a business venture is a life long commitment, personalities clash and well, that too is game over. Great friendships are often lost where business is involved and yes sure, support your friends but there's a fine line. Do not cross it. You do you, you support them, let them support you, but in the long run, your friends are better off being your support system, not your business partners. Sure, there may be some success stories but, cherish your friendships, some things in life money cannot buy. 

To the girl bosses out there, help each other and build each other up. Even though you don't require a product or service from a particular business, you can still show your support by liking their posts, sharing their profiles, commenting on their pictures or by simply following them. Every time I'm in a conversation and something pops up, I'm like, "AYEEEE I KNOW SOMEONE WHO DOES THAT" and I quickly share the profiles. There's absolutely NOTHING wrong with being supportive. If you help others, it will be returned to you, maybe not in the same way, but the universe will work in your favour. Be genuine with it, we're growing up and the sooner you realise that, the better for you. 

Thanks for reading!