I believe we are greatly influenced by the people we spend time with. I know that if you are passionate about your business and you want to grow and be successful, there are lots of elements you need to consider and implement in your every-day business life.
These are the things as a businessperson you need to be mindful of:
- Know ‘why’ you are doing what you’re doing
- Be motivated and stay motivated
- Be professional
- Build a community around you
- Be visible
- Stay focused
- Outsource where you’re able to
- Manage your time carefully
- Continue to learn and develop
In order to be a successful business owner, there is no doubt in my mind that you need to surround yourself with a great business community who empathise with all the problems that occur when owning a business. They can offer you advice and can often help and support you when you really need someone to bounce ideas around without being judged. They can recommend a fellow peer, who may be able to help you with your problem, who they know well and can happily recommend based on their own experiences.
So, my advice to you is….
Go and join a few business Facebook groups!
Nurture relationships in the groups. If you see an opportunity for collaboration or some synergy with another member, drop them a message and introduce yourself.
Be active in the groups, share what you do; offers, promotions, advice and tips. After all you’re an expert in your industry!
Ask questions and comment on other member’s questions and posts – don’t just post about your business
Create polls when you’re conducting research for your business. You’ll be surprised at the amount of response you’ll receive. People really love to be part of something and offer their advice.
Please feel free to join my ‘In the Hive’ networking Facebook group and introduce your business.
Attend Networking Events
It’s extremely difficult for us all atm with the current situation stopping us from attending physical networking events, however, we’re extremely lucky to have technology on our side, so why not attend an on-line networking event?
It’s a great opportunity to get your voice heard, increase your brand awareness and market your business. I really believe networking is essential as a marketing tool and I have met most of my local friends, clients and suppliers via a networking event, so I can’t recommend it enough. People buy from people and it’s a great way of nurturing a relationship when you meet someone you click with.
Zoom Zoom – do you look the part?
There are a number of online networking events taking place and you’ll love some and not others, depending on what you want from an event, but try a few and see what works best for you, but give them time too as nothing happens overnight!
Always make sure you represent your business. By this, I mean, look the part. Wear something you would normally wear if you were physically meeting a client.
Think about the lighting in the room. It’s important not to be sat in a dark, dreary room.
Ensure you’re in a quiet part of the house and when someone else is talking at a networking event, always remember to put yourself on ‘mute’.
Consider getting a branded pull-up banner as this can sit nicely at your side to cover up what you don’t want people to see in the room. Remember, this is your business. It is also great advertising when you’re out and about again attending networking events and business expo’s as it will look fantastic on your stand.
Remember to smile and look engaged – first impressions count!
To book for the next ‘In the Hive’ networking event please visit our Events page.
If you’d like to talk about branded pull-up banners, please email deborah@queenbeeandco.co.uk. We’re currently running a promotion for design and print. Quote ‘QBBLOGJULY’ FOR A 15% discount on all design and print.
What People Say
“Great lunchtime networking today with Deborah Firmstone at the ‘In The Hive’ Networking event at Cinco Lounge in Grantham. A very chilled and relaxed atmosphere with some good conversations and food. Thank you, Dan.”
Daniel McLean, Daniel McLean Photography
“Debbie is always well-organised and very approachable, which makes for a very pleasant atmosphere at the networking events she runs. She is well connected, wants to help people and is very accommodating to the wishes of her clients.”
Mike Stokes (Exportential Ltd)
“Attended Deborah’s virtual ‘In the Hive’ networking meeting on 29 April and found it very friendly and professional.”
Ann Hovell, Copywriting Services
“Love the vibe of Deborah’s ‘In The Hive’ networking events. We have attended them since the start. Really friendly event and Deborah creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere and a great ‘buzz’. If you’ve never tried one, I certainly recommend that you do. See you at the next one!
Rob Purle, Change for the Better
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