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28 views5 pages

networking notes_080517

Uploaded by

taongamulex01
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Contents

NETWORKING IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP ......................................................................................................... 2


WAYS OF NETWORKING ................................................................................................................................ 2
THE BENEFITS OF NETWORKING FOR ENTREPRENEURS............................................................................... 3
BUSINESS FORUM ......................................................................................................................................... 4
THE BENEFITS OF BUSINESS FORUMS TO THE SMALL BUSINESS OWNER .................................................... 4

1
NETWORKING IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP
• Entrepreneurial networks (EN) are defined as the patterns of interpersonal relations
emerging from entrepreneurial activities.
• Networking is the practice of building relationships with individuals and businesses for
business purposes
• networking is the act of maintaining positive relationships with clients and other
professionals in your industry.

TYPES OF NETWORKING

1. A personal network is a set of human contacts known to an individual, with whom that
individual would expect to interact at intervals to support a given set of business
activities.it is an informal way of networking with family, friends, teachers etc.

2. Business networking is the practice of building relationships with individuals and


businesses for professional purposes. It involves the strategic exchange of information
and resources to create connections that can be mutually beneficial E.g meeting with
manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers as well as service providers.

3. General networking- this is when an entrepreneur attains knowledge form print media
such as newspaper, flyers, magazines etc and electronic media such as the internet , social
media etc……….

WAYS OF NETWORKING
• Social media
Social media are interactive technologies that facilitate the creation, sharing and
aggregation of content amongst virtual communities and networks. Common features
include: Online platforms that enable users to create and share content and participate in
social networking

• Attend business networking events.


One of the best ways to meet other business professionals is to attend networking events,
seminars, workshops, conferences and webinars.

• INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEWING:
Informational interviewing is the process of gathering career information from people who
are already working in target occupations, organizations, or geographic locations. Both
the content of the information and the process of gathering it will help you to refine your
goals and possibly discover some new ones.

• Networking Sites
Check out networking sites where people list events you can attend. The most popular
ones are Meetup and Eventbrite. They list meetings in your local area based around
various themes, and it’s an easy way to find events to attend near you.

2
• Friends and Colleagues
Keep in steady touch with friends and colleagues and you’ll naturally hear about
opportunities to network. You can find great places to go through word of mouth and
have someone to attend with.

• The Local Business Community


Connect with your local business community and look for events happening around town.
A great way to get information in one place is to join your local Chamber of Commerce.
Another benefit is that you’ll become better known in the offline business community.

• Influencers in Your Niche


Follow influencers in your niche. These are people who are the most active on social media
and individuals who people listen to. They’ll often talk about events and opportunities that
they’re excited about attending.
• Speeches and Presentations
Although they’re not specifically designed for networking, speeches and presentations are
sometimes good opportunities to network. Look for presentations where the people you
would want to connect with are attending.

• Create Your Own Event


Host your own networking event. You can advertise it on social media and other online
marketing channels. Include speakers, activities, and refreshments to give people
something to do.

THE BENEFITS OF NETWORKING FOR ENTREPRENEURS


Networking is an important part of being an entrepreneur, and there are many benefits to be
gained from building a strong network. Here are just a few of the ways that networking can help
you and your business:

• Finding new opportunities: Networking can help you discover new opportunities for growth
and expansion. You can meet potential customers, partners, investors, and mentors who
can help you take your business to the next level.

• Gaining valuable insights: By connecting with others in your industry, you can gain
valuable insights and perspectives that can help you make better decisions for your
business.

• Building relationships with mentors and industry leaders: Networking can help you build
relationships with experienced entrepreneurs and industry leaders who can provide you
with guidance and support.

3
• Staying current with industry trends: Networking can help you stay up-to-date with the
latest industry trends and developments, which can be invaluable for staying ahead of the
competition.

• Improving your personal brand: Networking can help you build your personal brand and
get your name out there. By connecting with others and sharing your expertise, you can
establish yourself as a thought leader in your industry.

BUSINESS FORUM
Business Forum is a general business forum where you can discuss about starting a business,
managing and running it successfully.

THE BENEFITS OF BUSINESS FORUMS TO THE SMALL BUSINESS OWNER


Business Referrals

One of the greatest benefits of joining a business forum is new business opportunities. In addition,
there are often opportunities to collaborate with members of the network who work in similar
fields to yourself, which in turn generates more business. Furthermore, you are also likely to find
trustworthy suppliers and contacts that you can turn to when you require certain types of work.

Promotion

As well as gaining more business from within the forum itself, there are often opportunities to
gain promotion for your brand. For example, members’ businesses are often displayed on the
forum’s website, and promoted on their social media.

Exchange of Ideas

Another key benefit is the opportunity to exchange ideas with other members. Whether you’re
actively looking for advice on a particular subject from someone in a specialist trade, or whether
ideas are sparked by conversation with likeminded peers, you’ll gain valuable insights into your
own business which you may never have thought about otherwise.

4
Socialising

Socialising is an important part of any business and shouldn’t be underestimated. If you work
alone, you may well benefit from the social aspect of joining a business forum, even if only online,
as you’ll be exchanging ideas with like-minded business people. If you work as part of a team,
it’s still often a good chance to converse with other professionals who are at similar points with
their own business.

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