![\"6797252840_f68239f213_z\"](\"https:\/\/images.crowdspring.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/27132352\/6797252840_f68239f213_z.jpg\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\n
Ninjas are agile, fast, and efficient. Business networking is typically the exact opposite. It\u2019s often slow, confused, and discombobulated. Yet, while many people avoid it, networking is one of the most important tools in a business owner\u2019s toolkit. When we network, we increase our knowledge and opportunities, and amplify the messages we spread<\/a> about our companies. This is why networking events<\/a> or conferences are so popular in the business world- especially for startups and small business.<\/p>\n People often avoid networking because of social anxiety, lack of knowledge, inexperience, or doubt that networking can actually be useful. If this describes you – you are not alone. However, experienced business owners and marketing\/PR experts all agree that such doubts and fears are irrational. People simply lack the necessary skills to feel more comfortable in a networking situation. Michelle Garrett of Garrett Public Relations<\/a> says:<\/p>\n Small business owners need to do more networking to make more contacts, not only for possible referrals, but as resources and even as friends you can turn to when you have a question or problem related to your business.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n Since networking is not exclusive to specifically labeled events and conferences, this means that any opportunity you meet someone is a networking opportunity! This doesn\u2019t mean every social event is an opportunity to plug your business or work out a deal. It simply means that we have many opportunities to connect with someone who could help us in the future. To help ease small business owners and entrepreneurs into the networking world, here are three basic tips to becoming a networking ninja.<\/p>\n Making a good first impression is one of the most critical parts of networking. The first impression should be smooth and subtle, much like a ninja entrance. Extensive studies on first impressions, such as the ones done by Princeton psychologists Alexander Todorov and Janine Willis, have revealed that it only takes people a tenth of a second to form an impression of a stranger based completely on their appearance. The research also found that,\u00a0generally, longer interaction or exposure didn\u2019t alter the initial impression in any way.<\/p>\n The bottom line: look presentable. Ensure you are appropriately dressed for the venue and\/or event (whether it\u2019s black tie, jeans, or pajamas). Dressing out of place causes people to believe that you cannot pay attention to detail and can make others feel uncomfortable by feeling out of place. In an article<\/a> for The Muse, career strategist Jenny Foss talks about a time when overdressed candidates made the rest of the company feel out of place when hiring to fill a position:<\/p>\n So, when the time came for this company to hire a new CMO, I wasn\u2019t at all surprised when the CEO made it very clear to me that those being interviewed should not wear suits. Casual attire only, please, he said. He didn\u2019t want to feel underdressed in his rainbow socks.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n Even though the position seemed \u201cfancy,\u201d the attire was not. The same goes for networking events\u2014when in doubt, ask. Make sure that your facial expression matches the feel of the event while staying friendly and inviting. Remember that you make a first impression, and people judge your overall physical appearance.<\/p>\n Receive six actionable guides, including a how to start a business checklist, detailed comparisons of LLCs, corporations, sole proprietorships, and partnerships to determine the best fit for your business, plus insights on crafting a compelling pitch deck to attract investors.<\/p> Receive six actionable guides, including a how to start a business checklist, detailed comparisons of LLCs, corporations, sole proprietorships, and partnerships to determine the best fit for your business, plus insights on crafting a compelling pitch deck to attract investors.<\/p> Receive six actionable guides, including a how to start a business checklist, detailed comparisons of LLCs, corporations, sole proprietorships, and partnerships to determine the best fit for your business, plus insights on crafting a compelling pitch deck to attract investors.<\/p> One of the biggest misunderstandings about networking is that you should only talk about business. But jumping straight into the business discussion is probably not the best approach when the goal is to make a lasting connection. Instead, try finding something in common outside of business – a neutral topic on which you can build a relationship with the other person. This is important because a good contact is someone who can not only help you but someone you can help. It\u2019s easier to connect with a person by asking an open-ended question. This way, people can respond and you can easily ask follow-up questions. And for those moments when you get stuck, business expert Bill Cates gave his best tips on open ended questions in an article<\/a> for Hubspot:<\/p>\n Here\u2019s a quick little trick I discovered that might help. If you find yourself asking a closed-ended question, you can always open it up at the end. For example, if you start by asking \u201cDid you find value in this process?” you can follow it up with, “If so, please tell me in what ways.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n When a connection has been made, it\u2019s finally time to tell your story<\/a>. Not your personal one, although you can if you\u2019d like, but your company\u2019s story – the idea behind your product, why it\u2019s helpful\/original\/great, and anything else that you identify as being important. Sneak it in like a ninja would – naturally. After all, a conversation should not be a sales pitch<\/a>.<\/p>\n Most entrepreneurs and small business owners struggle to follow up after networking opportunities. Even after a meaningful conversation and connection, it\u2019s highly unlikely that people will remember who you are. You must do more networking to make more contacts – a single outreach is rarely enough. Following up after a networking opportunity is vital to keeping the connection and can be done in several ways. Email, LinkedIn, and Twitter are just some of the ways to connect to people. Typically, sending some sort of direct message with some details from the conversation and your contact information are enough to begin the connection. Sending regular updates, articles, or contacting the person any time something reminds you of them is also a good practice, it keeps the contact active in your circle.<\/p>\n In the end, we are in complete control of these seemingly daunting things like cultivating business relationships. Don\u2019t be discouraged if networking doesn\u2019t come naturally. Just like ninjas, networking ninjas work at their skills until they have perfected them, ensuring they feel confident to face any obstacles.<\/p>\n image credit: Jurgen Appelo<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n1. Make your first impression count- in a good way.<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Free Business Startup Kit<\/h2>
Get your free startup kit<\/i><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>Free Business Startup Kit<\/h2>
Get your free startup kit<\/i><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>Free Business Startup Kit<\/h2>
Get your free startup kit<\/i><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n2.\u00a0Find a connection with the person you are talking to.<\/strong><\/h2>\n
3.\u00a0Follow up.<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/images.crowdspring.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/06164948\/startup-blog-master-cta.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"