Networking is an incredibly effective way to grow your business.

As an entrepreneur, you should always be networking.

And, not just at business networking events, but even at parties and social events as well.

Between summer barbeques, Christmas gatherings, your children’s sporting events, and every play, recital, and charity auction that comes your way, your life is full of opportunities to meet new people.

Why waste these golden opportunities?

Bringing up business at social events can be a bit awkward for some small business owners (especially introverted entrepreneurs), but it doesn’t have to be.

Done properly, it can just feel like a normal part of a conversation – and, definitely not like an obtrusive sales pitch.

Here are some tips to help you network at parties and social events:

Acknowledge that going to parties is not a waste of your time

First, you need to convince yourself that going to parties is a beneficial use of your time.

Some entrepreneurs stay away from social events because they feel like they should always be working.

Or, they feel they won’t fit in with a non-entrepreneur crowd.

Consider this – going to social events can actually be good for your business.

Not only will some down-time make you more productive and effective at work, it will do your business good if you get out and meet an entirely new crowd of people from time-to-time.

After all, networking with the same people over and over again can only get you so far.

Yes, it is absolutely a good idea to stay in touch with your existing network. After all, reconnecting and forging deep, meaningful relationships is important.

However, at some point, you will need to branch out and expand your network sphere.

This means breaking out into new territory.

So, go to an event where you might not know too many people. For instance, maybe be someone’s “plus one” at a wedding, bar mitzvah, or your partner’s work fundraiser.

Remind yourself that it’s not just the people you meet, but who THEY know as well, that matters.

You never know who these new people might know.

Remember that talking about your business is not boring

Don’t feel shy or sheepish talking about your business at a social event.

After all, small talk is boring.

Business is way more interesting than talking about the weather or the hors d’oeuvres.

Your business is what makes you interesting, so when someone asks you how you spend your days, tell them how much you love your work and your life.

You may very well be the only business owner present at a typical sporting event, cocktail party, or kid’s birthday.

You are unique and fascinating.

What may seem trivial to you might actually seem quite novel to a person with a “regular 9-5” job.

Leverage your unique-ness and remember to talk about makes you passionate about your work – passionate people are interesting.

Know your audience

When talking to someone you’ve just met at a social event, be mindful and don’t dominate the conversation.

You want to know who you are engaging with, as much as possible. This means, you have to pay close attention and listen carefully to what they say and how they act around you.

You’re likely not talking to other business owners at a social event, so you will want to keep your message tailored to your audience.

Ask them lots of questions about who they are and what interests them, and you’ll know what to say to them regarding your business.

As always, know your target and scale your communication accordingly.

Spare them the sales pitch, keep things casual and light (remember, this is a party, not a board meeting), be helpful and encourage lots of back-and-forth dialogue so that the person you’re talking to stays engaged.

Give them something for free

The worst part about networking is feeling like you are imposing on someone.

No one likes to feel like they are asking for too much by making someone take time to talk with them.

So, in order to avoid this awkward feeling, make sure you have something valuable to give.

Adding value by ways of great advice or inspiration, or just by generally being pleasant, funny, and interesting is great.

But, if you want to take things to the next level, have an actual gift you can offer.

The gift doesn’t have to be over-the-top (in fact, giving too much might make things awkward), but having a free downloadable ebook, PDF, or coupon available on your website or social media page would be a nice offering for someone you just met and had a meaningful conversation with.

Of course, you will want to have this downloadable offering in place on your website or social media page before you meet the person.

Or, you can ask for their email address and send it to them later.

If they have to give you an email address or sign up for the download or follow you on social media in order to get the gift, this is a good way to get them to stay in touch so that you can continue the relationship beyond the first meeting.

Just remember, you want to give this downloadable gift to a qualified audience – that is, someone you’ve talked with for a bit and deduced will find value in your offering.

Just think of it as practice for the real thing

It’s easy to get worked up about having to network at a social event.

The key is, not to stress out about it too much.

After all, you are there to have fun.

Business networking is just something you can throw in if you happen to resonate with someone at a social event.

And, if you don’t meet anyone who would make a good business connection, then maybe you’ll make a new friend.

Or, you’ve shared a pleasant few moments with someone new.

At the very least, you’ve had an opportunity to practice your networking skills.

And, since networking is a skill you need to cultivate so that you can grow your business, this is time well spent.

Even if things don’t work out, chances are, you won’t have to see the person again, or at least not too often.

In any case, you walk away from the meeting with a win!

 

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