The Power of Local Small Business Networking

I love the power of networking for my small business.  Now more than ever I believe it is crucial for personal and business success.  Limited are the days of face-to-face marketing by getting to know one another in a physical location.  Rarely are we walking into a business, pitching them our services, or having visitors getting to know us at our storefronts.  Later I’m going to list some of my favorite (local to Milwaukee and WI) virtual events that I really enjoy attending. Yes, networking is marketing!

Prior to 2020, I networked once or twice a month in-person with a few local groups.  We’d meet for coffee or dinner.  Everyone would have a minute or so to talk about what they did to the entire group and you could chat with those around you after.  Sometimes there were featured speakers and other times not.  It was still always valuable and I felt left out if I missed a meeting or two.

It’s Not About the Sale!

I do NOT attend networking meetings for an instant sale.  I don’t attend to expect to get loads of clients and in return I don’t want to be sold to or hounded to buy your product.  This is commonly understood by those that network frequently, but there are always the few that join a meeting one time, ask for a 1:1 meeting to sell you their product or services and you never see them again.  Of course, the end result for business owners is the same; to obtain new clients and customers.  Keep in mind those clients and customers may come from a referral base of these networking groups and it might not even be the direct person you networked with!

I was asked a question on LinkedIn today that I’ve been asked before and it brought this entire idea to mind to write about networking.  “How can I help your business grow?”  Seems like a simple question but it’s deep to me.  My response was this, “Get to know each other so when you are asked for a business recommendation, you can feel good recommending that business to another person.  You’re not simply handing off business cards, you’re handing off a genuine connection that has grown over time.  I have used so many businesses myself JUST because of my networking over the last 9 (ish) months.” And our conversation naturally flowed from there. We will have a 1:1 conversation but I think it’s important to know how we can help each other.

Build Relationships

As I said earlier, we are networking to get to know each other on a personal level.  Be authentic.  I had a hard time at first but the more I networked, the more confident I have become in my skills and abilities; talking about things I do best.  I’ve relaxed quite a bit and it’s much easier to talk about what I can provide to those I’m networking with.  Remember, you’re the expert in your field, right? Be natural and it will be much easier. The elevator pitch is never easy and it’s not what has sold me to use someone’s services.  There is fierce competition in many markets and I’m choosing these individuals based upon my needs; not their pitch to sell me.  And I may not need their services right now, but it doesn’t mean I don’t know someone that does need it; or I might need it in the future. Ultimately getting to know them as an individual is what sold me – not their pitch.

Networking to me is about building relationships.  I have attended networking meetings for years run by Debbie Kuras, owner of SASI, and she has brought this up every (in-person) meeting that we’ve had.  These aren’t her exact words but paraphrased: I am not here to collect business cards.  I am much more likely to refer you to someone as I’ve gotten to know you.  As I get to know you, I will know how to connect with you or be able to refer you to someone in need.  Showing up once to make a sale is not why we’re here today…Those thoughts of hers have always been instilled into my brain and a great reason I responded as I did to the LinkedIn connection.  I believe (and follow) those words and practices years later as I continue to network today.

Virtual Networking!

One of the most amazing things came out of 2020 regarding networking… virtual networking groups!  Sure, virtual meetings have existed for years, but the power showed its face with the pandemic.  People were looking for ways to speak to each other.  I like to give Tracy Champagne, owner of Small Business MKE a lot of credit for pulling so many virtual networking groups together.  She loves to use different platforms as well which makes them fun and interesting!  She and I have even teamed up to do webinars twice a month.  We also teamed up with 2 additional Social Media Managers to form a networking group so we can collaborate with other like-minded individuals in the US.  And brand new we are collaborating with Bill Sargent, owner of Milwaukee Headshots to discuss the importance of getting reviews, how to get them and what to do with them once you have them!

Sure, there are still in-person events if people choose to attend. I’m hoping virtual events are here to stay. I can attend more often and work them into my schedule when I’m able. I don’t have to worry about commute time, rushing around in the car to make it somewhere. I hop on wherever I am at the time and can join wherever my computer, phone or tablet are for the day!

Collaboration – Not Competition

Virtual networking allows for us to meet more people instead of just the few sitting at your table.  We collaborate.  We build more relationships. There are often others in the same business and that’s a-ok to me!  My connections are stronger as I get to talk to more people at one time and hear more of their stories. It’s great! I like to say networking is about collaboration, not competition! 

I’ll say it again, the power of virtual networking is fantastic.  Some of these ideas and thoughts come directly from networking events I’ve attended.  Some ideas are my own and some of these ideas have come from those that I consider mentors – even if they don’t’ know it! We learn from each other, with each other. In the end our relationships and minds grow and I have made some fantastic friends along the way. Friendships I hope will last a lifetime!

Do you have a favorite virtual networking group you attend?  Do tell as I’m always interested in finding out more!  I hope to see you at an upcoming event.  If you join because of reading this, definitely give me a shout out and say hey!

Much love and business success!

Kim

Here are some of my favorite networking local WI events to attend. I hope to “see” you there sometime!

Small Biz MKE Think Tank on Zoom
Mondays at 6pm CST

Raving Reviews on Zoom  
3rd Tuesday at 6pm CST

Professional Women of WI on Zoom
4^th Tuesday at 6pm

WI Small Business Jam on Virtual United
2^nd & 4^th Wednesday at 3pm CST

SMM Connect on Zoom
3^rd Wednesday at 3pm CST

Small Biz MKE Think Tank on Zoom
Thursdays at 2pm CST

FREE marketing webinars with networking on Blitzr
2^nd & 4^th Thursday at 6pm CST

MKE Connect on Kumospace
3^rd Friday at 3pm CST

You can also catch other events by looking at Small Biz MKE’s calendar!