Why networking for solopreneurs is so important!
Many of the business members inside the Kingston Collective are solopreneurs or small team businesses and we feel that providing an opportunity and space for our members to network with one another is so important.
Whilst creating and running your own business is exciting and thrilling, it can also be a lonely rollercoaster ride. This is where belonging to a business community is so important.
Our top 5 reasons why networking is so important for solopreneurs:
- Build your support network.
As a solopreneur, you want to build a community or support network around you that is full of like minded people who understand your trials and tribulations. People who understand that at times you need to bounce ideas off someone, share the wins with as well as vent the frustrations. Networking allows you to seek out like minded people who YOU want around you, to support you and you to support them.
- Create cheerleaders and sales people.
When you build your own community and develop strong relationships within that community, you start to create a team of cheerleaders and sales people. People who will cheer you on along the way, recommend you to others and act as your sales rep when someone needs a referral for your type of business.
- Connect and Collaborate.
There are so many benefits to collaborating with another business, whether in the same industry as yours or a complimenting one. By networking, you actively seek out new connections that could potentially turn into a collaboration. Meeting new people with different ideas and ways of doing things can open up so many avenues for you and your business.
- Find people YOU want to work with.
Seeking out new clients is often the top reason why people attend networking events but it shouldn’t be the only reason. In our opinion, networking is two parts listening and one part talking. By listening more than talking, you can find people that you connect with and want to work with. Whether that be in a client relationship or a supplier relationship. By running your own business, you get to choose who YOU work with.
- Have fun
Networking can be awkward and uncomfortable, especially for introverts – however studies show that introverts make better networkers (they listen more….) BUT if you find and attend networking events that work for you – you can have a great time meeting new people, talking about your business, learning new things, sharing ideas and feeling part of something more than just your business.
We aim to take the awkwardness out of networking and replace it with fun and connection. Through games and activities, we ensure that attendees meet and chat with 80% of people in the room, in a relaxed and friendly way.
So if you are a solopreneur or work in a small team business, find networking events that work for you and book yourself in. Only good can come from it!
