In today’s digital world, the importance and effectiveness of in-person communication tends to get downplayed. For years, we haven’t been required to physically meet someone, or even talk to them. We pull up a quick chat window, type out a few sentences, and send it. We’re at the point where drafting up a formal email is considered exactly that: formal. When did communication become so…impersonal?
The Digital Gap
Here’s the answer: since the internet became more popular. We’re not trying to bash technology and claim that it’s completely degraded the social fabric of society, because hey, the advent of instant communication has improved the world in countless ways. But even with dedicated social networking sites such as LinkedIn, you’d think that developing connections and expanding your entrepreneurial presence would be easier than ever before. Unfortunately, that’s really not the case.
Networking And Small Business Loans: They’re Here To Help Your Company Grow
Meeting in-person and having a real, in-depth conversation leads to a surefire mutual understanding and allows no room for miscommunication. However, networking can also be a bit awkward from time, especially if you’re not the most social-savvy entrepreneur.
Here are some great networking tips courtesy of The Commercial Finance Group, your source for asset-based lending solutions in Atlanta.
What’s Your Networking Goal? Create One.
Setting a realistic but respectable networking goal is an effective way to hold yourself accountable. Are there certain people that you’d like to connect with? Events to attend? A certain number of connections to develop? Remember, when it comes to networking, quality comes over quantity.
Driven entrepreneurs who are naturally social probably don’t need to set a networking goal, but if you’d rather spend your time poring over spreadsheets alone, then you probably need to draft a few goals for yourself.
Get Out There And Make A Presence
Invited to something that isn’t really relevant to your business? If you can make it, go. What do you have to lose other than a little time? Sure, time is money, and that’s especially the case in the small business world. However, we’d argue that a happy hour event outside of your industry could really do your company some good. At the very least, you’ll meet some new people and learn more about their side of things.
Life works in mysterious ways and it always has a way of being serendipitous. By opening yourself up to more opportunities, you’re taking more risks, but widening the door for success.
Be Friendly
There’s a lot to be said about simply putting a smile on your face, looking sharp, freshening your breath, and introducing yourself to someone in a friendly manner. As much as this reads like a motivational speech, you really do have the power to create positive impressions. These impressions could start out as a mere introduction and nothing more, but who knows — maybe you’ve just met your future partner down the line who will help you rocket your business to desirable profit margins.
Be someone that people want to be around, and you’ll begin to notice that success will naturally gravitate toward you.
Create A Social Support System And Utilize It
You may be a solo entrepreneur, but that doesn’t mean you have to do everything on your own. Any and every remotely successful small business owner knows that they had to bring on additional team members to grow their company and sustain said growth.
If you have doubts about something, or if you need tips on how to navigate a certain social event, don’t go to Google for your answers. Ask the people that you’re close with. If they truly care about you, then they’ll be happy to help.
Refine Your Elevator Pitch
When you’re connecting with someone and it’s finally time to delve into your business, be sure that you have your value proposition down to a T. People don’t have all day, and they’re more likely to be on board with your business when you’re concise, articulate, and well-versed. You’re the expert in your business; demonstrate that expertise.
Need Small Business Lending When You’re Done Networking? We’re Here To Help!
For tried-and-true asset-based lending services based in Atlanta and Los Angeles, look no further than The Commercial Finance Group. Get started with us today.
