Networking Strategies for Small Business Owners

In my early career, I thought networking was all about building as many connections as possible. But I quickly learned that effective networking isn't about the quantity of your connections—it's about the quality. Throughout my career, the connections that have truly made a difference weren’t the ones where I just asked for help—they were the ones where I made it easy for others to want to help me. If you want to make others genuinely want to help you, it’s crucial to move beyond simply asking for favors. Instead, focus on creating value and building relationships where both parties benefit. So, how can you do the same? Here are four tactical tips to help you network effectively: ✅ Do Your Homework Before reaching out, research the person or company you’re interested in. Understand their work, challenges, and how you can add value. For instance, instead of asking a connection for job leads, do your own research first. Identify specific roles and companies you’re targeting, and then ask if they can help with an introduction. This approach shows initiative and respect for their time. ✅ Be Specific in Your Ask Whether you’re asking for an introduction, advice, or a referral, be clear and concise about what you need. For example, instead of asking, “Do you know anyone hiring?” say, “I noticed [Company Name] is looking for a [Role]. Would you be open to introducing me to [Person]? I’m happy to send you my resume and a brief write-up you can pass along, too.” This shows that you’ve taken the initiative and makes it easier for your contact to say yes. ✅ Offer Mutual Value When requesting a meeting or advice, frame it as a two-way conversation. Instead of saying, “Can I pick your brain?” try something like, “I’d love to exchange ideas on [specific topic] and share some strategies that have worked for me.” This not only makes your request more compelling but also positions you as someone who brings value to the table. ✅ Follow Up with Gratitude After someone has helped you, don’t just say thank you and disappear. Keep them in the loop on how their help made an impact. Whether you got the job, secured the meeting, or just had a great conversation, let them know. This closes the loop and makes them more inclined to help you in the future. Your network is one of your greatest assets—nurture it well, and it will be there for you when you need it most. What’s one networking tip that’s helped you build stronger connections? *** 📧 Want more tips like these? Join Career Bites - free weekly bite-sized tips to supercharge your career in 3 minutes or less: lorraineklee.com/subscribe 📖 You can also get behind-the-scenes stories, updates, and special gifts for my upcoming book Unforgettable Presence: lorraineklee.com/book

Traditional networking is broken. It is loud, draining, and simply not as effective. Flip the script. Make networking not just effective, but fun. ❌ You do not need to play their game. As an introvert, you already have the edge. You create deeper, more meaningful connections. ✅ You just need to lean into what works for you. Here is your guide to building a powerful network; on your terms. 1️⃣ Find meaningful moments. Skip the noisy crowd. Where do real connections happen? In calm spaces, with approachable people. Shared interests? A quiet energy? That’s your person. 2️⃣ Focus on one great connection. Do you really need to meet everyone? One real conversation beats ten surface chats. Look for someone curious or engaged. That is where the value lies. 3️⃣ Set your own rules. Who says you have to stay all night? Decide how long you want to be there. Pick how many people you want to meet. Protect your energy. It is yours to manage. 4️⃣ Take recharge breaks. Feeling drained? Step away. Find a quiet corner or head outside. Breathe. Reset. Then come back stronger. 5️⃣ Bring a wingperson. Why do it alone if you do not have to? Go with someone who knows you. They can help with introductions. You can focus on the connection, not the crowd. 6️⃣ Ask, then listen. What’s the easiest way to connect? Start with a thoughtful question. “What excites you about your work?” Let them talk. Listening makes people feel heard. 7️⃣ Stick to events that suit you. Why force yourself into constant small talk? Go to workshops or panels. Listen, learn, and join in when it feels right. 8️⃣ Skip the room, use the DMs. Big events feel overwhelming? No problem. Follow up later. Send a message. Be direct and intentional. 9️⃣ Let people come to you. What if you did not have to chase connections? Share your thoughts online. Posts and comments attract like-minded people. 🔟 Find your own style. Networking does not have to look one way. Coffee chats. Small meetups. Online groups. Do it in a way that fits you. ❌ Networking is not about doing everything. ✅ It is about doing what feels right. And when you find your flow, connections will come naturally. ————— I am Sven, and my mission is to help introverted entrepreneurs and professionals thrive as who they are while protecting their energy to focus on their dreams. Want to learn more? Check my profile, subscribe to my newsletter, or feel free to reach out anytime.

Networking can feel like a daunting task, especially for us introverts (yes, I’m an introvert #iykyk). Walking into a crowded conference room can sometimes feel more overwhelming than energizing, right? Over the years, I've developed a simple yet powerful framework that helps me navigate these situations with intention and actually get the results I'm looking for. I call it the 3-2-1 Networking Framework. Here's how it works: 🎯 3 Strong Contacts: Instead of aiming to collect a stack of business cards you'll never follow up with, go into your event with the goal of making 3 meaningful connections that can genuinely help you achieve a specific goal. This focus allows you to be more present in conversations and truly remember who you've met. Quality over quantity, always! 🗣️ 2 Small Details: Beyond the business talk, make a conscious effort to remember at least 2 seemingly small, personal details about the people you connect with. Did they mention their child's name? Are they excited about an upcoming vacation? Did you both realize you're part of the same sorority? These personal touches create a stronger, more memorable connection. 💡 Pro-tip: Start with the name! This past week at IIEX, I had a few instances where people mistook me for another researcher. While she's fantastic, it highlighted the importance of truly seeing individuals past basic shared demographics. 📣 Another pro-tip (especially when connecting with Black women): Please remember something other than our hair. Our styles are diverse and can change frequently - at least mine does 🤣. Focusing solely on a hairstyle can lead to missed connections – let's move beyond superficial identifiers and get to the heart of the people. 🚀 1 Must-Do Goal: Walk into your networking event with at least 1 clear, actionable goal. Is it to identify potential business partners, find a new vendor, learn about a specific industry trend, or even land one new client? Having this singular focus will direct your conversations and make your time much more effective. You don't need a laundry list of objectives; sometimes, all it takes is one spark to ignite something bigger and better. This 3-2-1 framework has been a game-changer for me, allowing me to turn up the energy when needed, stay focused, and build authentic connections that truly matter. Give it a try at your next event and let me know how it works for you! #networking #introvert #connections #businesstips #IIEX

Recently, I've had 40+ conversations with founders, investors, and partners - here's what I learned about building a powerful network. I remember attending a national training at KPMG with thousands of professionals from across the U.S. They asked each team: "What's the most valuable thing you'll get out of this event?" We submitted "Networking will be the most valuable thing we get out of this event." I was shocked when they called out our answer as the winner across all teams. It took me years to really understand this. When I launched Mighty Digits, my first 2 customers came from within my network, giving me freedom to build while securing income. Some of my largest customers came from relationships with VC firms who trusted us with their portfolio companies. As the saying goes: "It's not what you know, it's who you know." To me, it's both - but if I had to choose one, it would be the people in my network. A good network naturally raises your IQ and yields 10x dividends. ➡️ IDENTIFY WHO YOU WANT TO NETWORK WITH Everyone wants to connect with their ideal customer, but don't stop there. Connect with other service providers who serve your target audience but aren't competitive - alternate services or same service in different regions. My favorite people to connect with are investors, since there's strong correlation between investing in a company and wanting confident financial records. Start by making a list of the most ideal people to network with and work backwards. Avoid focusing only on customers to sell to. ➡️ HOW TO CONNECT WITH YOUR TARGET AUDIENCE "Ask for money and get advice, ask for advice, get money twice." Your goal with networking is NOT to sell anything. Your goal is to provide value and establish relationships. Sales come naturally as relationships are nurtured. Four ways to connect: — Reach out for warm intros through mutual connections — Send targeted cold emails that are relevant and personalized — Host events that allow them to expand their network too — Attend events and approach people in groups or standing alone ➡️ THE FOLLOW-UP FRAMEWORK This is the most important part. After connecting: — Send follow-up email with thanks and conversation recap — Find ways to offer value first - referrals, advice, resources — Keep in touch quarterly to see how you can be of service — Treat your A-list players with appreciation - gifts, meals, personal thanks === Networking is a long-term play. Relationships take time to build, and many may not go anywhere. But for those that do, you can build an entire business on them. What's been your experience with networking? Do you have any tips for building powerful relationships? Share your thoughts below 👇

You know you should network. But you probably don’t know what to say or how to get on people’s radar. Here’s an easy 7-step LinkedIn networking strategy (that anyone can use): 1. The 3 Principles Of Good Networking If you want to network effectively, you need to:  - Have a way to reach people  - Have a way to add value to them  - Have a way to keep the engagement going This strategy does all three! 2. Make A List Of Job-Related Keywords Think of keywords, skills, phrases, and jargon that align with your target role. Ex: If you’re in sales, that might be “sales,” “leads,” “pipeline,” “sales cycle,” etc. Make a quick list of these. 3. Run A “Post” Search On LinkedIn Start with one keyword (or the job title itself). Run a search for it on LinkedIn. From the “Filters” option, select “Posts.” Then change “Date Posted” to “Past Week.” 4. Filter By “Author Company” Click on “All Filters” to find the “Author Company” filter. Add all of your target companies to this filter. This will give you a list of all the posts related to your target role, written by people at your target companies, posted in the past week! 5. Analyze Posts & Authors Scroll through the posts. When you find one that resonates? Click the person’s profile and check to see if they post consistently (at least once / week). If they do? Bookmark their profile in your browser. 6. Leave A Value Driven Comment For each author you find that posts regularly in your target space? Leave a comment on their post recent post that is:  - Supportive  - Postive in tone  - Offers your own take / value  - Is more than one sentence Repeat for each author. 7. Rinse & Repeat Daily Every day, click through the author profiles you have bookmarked. See a new post? Leave a new comment. Repeat this process every weekday if you can. But aim to leave at least one comment / week at minimum. 8. Why This Works Content creators love engagement. By cosistently offering that in a positive way, you’re going to get on their radar. And when you’ve done this for a week or two, the likelihood of getting a “yes” to a coffee chat, or even a referral, goes WAY up. Give it a shot today!

Build connections when you don’t need them, so they’re there when you do. Networking is a long‑term investment. You never know what can happen tomorrow, whether it’s a new opportunity, an unexpected challenge, or a career pivot. By cultivating relationships early, you turn strangers into allies and potential into possibility. My pro‑tip? Develop your personal value proposition. 
- List your top 3–5 strengths and concrete examples of how you’ve helped others 
- Turn each into an “I help…” statement (for example, “I help marketing teams drive engagement through data‑driven storytelling”) 
- Use these statements to guide every outreach, ensuring you’re always offering value, not just asking for favors Then start from what you know. 1. Choose 5–10 people from your alumni network, former classmates, or close colleagues 2. Send a genuine note, share an article they might find helpful, congratulate them on a recent win, or simply ask how you can support them 3. No agenda. Just curiosity and a willingness to help Next, venture into the unknown. 1. Identify people at companies you admire or in roles you aspire to 2. Do your homework: reference a recent project, article, or speaking engagement 3. Reach out with a clear, value‑first message: “I enjoyed your piece on X; as someone looking to Y, I’d love to learn how you approached Z.” And keep the momentum going. 
- Schedule quarterly reminders to check in, share insights, celebrate milestones, or ask a thoughtful question 
- Track key dates (promotions, product launches, anniversaries) so your messages feel timely Your network matters. When you need advice, an introduction, or anything really, you’ll already have authentic connections. And at the end of the day, already built connections where you can leverage the relationships > dry unknowns ‘Hey, I need help’ messages. #StephSynergy

You see other entrepreneurs getting tagged in viral posts, name-dropped on podcasts, and invited into exclusive rooms. Meanwhile, you're stuck sending cold DMs that go unread. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘁𝗵? 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗶𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲. Most people fail at networking because they do it backwards. They ask before they give. They show up only when they need something. But real networking is about building relationships before you need them. 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗶𝗻 𝟱 𝘀𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗽𝘀: 👠 𝘛𝘢𝘱 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘌𝘹𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘴 – Find the gatekeepers: podcast hosts, event organizers, and community builders. Instead of building a network from scratch, plug into one. 👠 𝘓𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘉𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘛𝘢𝘭𝘬 – Stop pitching. Instead, ask: What’s your biggest goal this year? What’s the biggest challenge you’re facing? Then shut up and listen. 👠 𝘚𝘰𝘭𝘷𝘦 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘣𝘭𝘦𝘮𝘴, 𝘕𝘰𝘵 𝘑𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘖𝘸𝘯 – Want to be remembered? Help people win. If you can solve their problem, do it. If you know someone who can, make the intro. 👠 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘺 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘐𝘵 𝘔𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴 – Follow up when they land a big deal, hit a rough patch, or even on their birthday. The best networkers don’t just connect—they stay connected. 👠 𝘓𝘦𝘵 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘬 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘠𝘰𝘶 – The highest level of networking? Having people come to you. If you’re not posting, you’re invisible. Build a reputation before you even walk into the room. Most people treat networking as a transaction—but relationships compound. 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸: 1. Pick one person you admire. 2. Engage with their content. 3. Get on a call. 4. Ask what they need help with. 5. Find a way to help. Do this consistently, and in 12 months, your network will be unrecognizable. DM me after a week and LMK how it's going! #Entrepreneurship #Networking #BusinessGrowth #Founders #Startups

The most effective networkers understand a fundamental principle that distinguishes meaningful professional relationships from transactional interactions: they prioritize contributing value before seeking assistance.   Effective networking strategies focus on mutual benefit:   Pre-Event Research: Identifying attendees and understanding their professional challenges, recent achievements, or industry focus areas where you might offer insights or connections.   Value-Forward Conversations: Initiating discussions around industry trends, sharing relevant resources, or offering introductions to valuable contacts rather than immediately discussing personal career needs.   Strategic Follow-Up: Connecting post-event with thoughtful resources, articles, or introductions that address specific challenges discussed, rather than generic LinkedIn requests.   Long-Term Relationship Building: Maintaining consistent, value-driven contact with your network through sharing relevant opportunities, insights, or connections throughout the year.   This approach transforms networking from a series of favor requests into genuine relationship building that creates reciprocal value over time.   Professionals who consistently offer value before seeking assistance develop networks that actively support their career advancement because those relationships are built on mutual benefit rather than one-sided need.   The strongest professional networks emerge when individuals position themselves as resources for others' success rather than solely focusing on their own advancement needs.   What strategies have you found most effective for creating mutually beneficial professional relationships?   Sign up to my newsletter for more corporate insights and truths here: https://lnkd.in/ei_uQjju   #deepalivyas #eliterecruiter #recruiter #recruitment #jobsearch #corporate #networking #professionalnetworking #relationshipbuilding #careerstrategist

Recently,, a client shared with our community... “Attachment creates this neediness. Learning to network without a hard agenda shifted everything for me.” So, let’s talk about networking, because so many of you are doing it wrong. Here’s the deal: When you’re an entrepreneur, networking isn’t just about swapping business cards or chasing leads. It’s about building real relationships that add value to both sides. But here’s the irony: The more attached you are to getting something from a conversation, the less effective you’ll be. People can feel the desperation. That “hard agenda” vibe? It repels the very opportunities you’re hoping to create. 𝗟𝗲𝘁 𝗠𝗲 𝗛𝗶𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘀: • 85% of jobs and opportunities come from networking, yet only 25% of professionals actually approach it strategically (Source: LinkedIn). • For 72% of successful entrepreneurs, authentic connections are the #1 factor driving their success (Source: Entrepreneur Magazine). If you’re not networking with intention and authenticity, here’s what you’re risking: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗸𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗮𝘆 • Strained Relationships: People can smell a self-serving agenda a mile away, and it damages trust. • Missed Opportunities: When you focus only on short-term results, you miss the long-term value of genuine connections. • Networking Fatigue: Constantly chasing outcomes instead of building relationships will burn you out. 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝗣𝗿𝗼 1) Focus on Connection, Not Outcomes: Approach conversations with curiosity. Ask about their journey, challenges, and goals—not what they can do for you. Example: “What’s been the most exciting project you’ve worked on lately?” 2) Give Before You Ask: Share value first. Introduce them to someone in your network, send them a relevant article, or offer insight. The fastest way to build trust is to help someone without expecting anything in return. 3) Set a Networking Goal: Forget about making 10 shallow connections at a conference. Instead, aim for 2–3 meaningful ones per month—the kind where you’re both excited to stay in touch. 4) Follow Up Thoughtfully: After you meet someone, send a personalized note. Share a resource or insight that’s relevant to them. Relationships are built in the follow-ups, not the first handshake. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗼𝗺 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗲 Networking isn’t about collecting contacts or closing deals—it’s about building relationships that compound over time. The more you give without expecting, the more opportunities will naturally come your way. 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹? Download the Networking Playbook to learn how to map your connections, build authentic relationships, and create opportunities that last. Comment "PLAYBOOK" below or DM me and I'll get it sent your way.

With New York Tech Week coming up, and based on my experience at another recent event, I wanted to share some points on how founders can effectively network in person. The opener applies to everyone you meet—investors, potential partners, other founders, vendors, etc. 1️⃣ Introduce yourself with a firm handshake. Use first and last name and company. Example: Hi, I'm Katie Dunn. I'm an angel investor and partner in Power To Pitch. 2️⃣ Shut up and listen. Do not interrupt. Do not word vomit. Let them talk, and see how things flow. Example: 🤫🤐🙊 In addition to knowing your name and company 😉, have two other things at the ready. 1️⃣ Your one-liner: Example: Power To Pitch works with early-stage founders on fundraising strategies, helping with their pitch and deck and introducing them to capital sources like grants and investors. 2️⃣ A very short ask. Pick no more than two items. Be specific but concise with your words. Example: My primary need right now is investment / a cofounder / developer / strategic partnership / customers / marketing help. ❗️One important thing: DO NOT ASK THEM IF THEY'LL SEND OUT YOUR DECK TO EVERYONE THEY KNOW. If someone wants to see your deck, they'll ask for it. Trust me. When the conversation comes to an end (or you want it to come to an end 😉), say: Can we stay in touch? What's your preferred method? LinkedIn? Email? WhatsApp? 🤫 Hint: Make your LinkedIn QR code your screensaver or a favorite in your photos so you can quickly bring it up to share. 🤫🤫 Double hint: It's better for them to connect with you because you'll have the list of new connections to approve in your inbox and can message them to follow up. Now, let's break down a few questions you can use as conversation starters: If you meet an investor, ask them: - What's your thesis? - Are you actively writing checks and looking for deals? - What's the last company you invested in? - Where is home for you? - Did you come here looking for deals? - What are you seeing happening in the market? - Can I help you? If you meet a potential Partner/Vendor/Founder: - What are you hoping to gain from this event/week? - What event are you most looking forward to here? - I see a lot of synergies in X. Would you like to explore it at another time? - Is there a certain connection you're looking to make? - Can I help you? TL;DR: Listen more than you talk. Have a direct and simple ask ready, but first look to help them.