Online Networking Tips for Small Business Owners

Networking is an important process for any small business owner. Meeting prospective clients and customers is a great way to help your business grow. And with so much of our communication being online these days, it’s essential to embrace the digital world and get your name out there through networking platforms and events. 

If you’re wondering where to start or how to network more effectively online, here are some tips and tricks to grow your connections. 

What platforms are available for online networking?

There are plenty of ways to network online, so you’re sure to find a way that works for you. It can be helpful to give all of these methods a go to see how you get on, which feel aligned with your way of working, and which yield the best results.

• Business social media sites

The most well-known professional networking site is LinkedIn, and it’s a great place to start building connections. However, you can also join local business Facebook groups and connect with other small business owners on Instagram.

Find out more about the importance of building a strong social media presence for your business.

• Online networking events

If you prefer having a face-to-face conversation with someone (even if it’s through a screen!), then online networking events can be incredibly effective. While in-person networking groups are excellent, online networking events can also offer beneficial interactions. 

You can meet people from all over the world, from the comfort of your own home. Plus, no travel means they can often be easier to fit into a busy schedule than in-person meetings.  

• Virtual co-working sessions

A virtual co-working session is similar in some ways to an online networking event. However, the networking side of things is a lot more relaxed. 

These groups provide a chance to work side-by-side (virtually) with others to foster a sense of community. Even though the drive isn’t to secure customers or clients, you can often build genuine and long-lasting connections with other small business owners. 

Who knows, they may come in handy down the line…

Online networking tips

So, how can you get the most out of your online networking experience? 

Keep your professional profiles up to date

Whether you’re promoting your products, aiming to connect with prospective clients, or seeking other work opportunities, it’s important to make sure your LinkedIn bio and other professional profiles are up to date.

Check that your work history, contact details, and any other important information are current and accurate.

Perfect your elevator pitch

You don’t need to memorise a script, but having a clear message to relay to those you meet for the first time can make all the difference. Whether it’s written on your LinkedIn bio or something you say during introductions at an online networking event, your ‘pitch’ should succinctly cover:

• Who you are

• What you do

• Why you do it

• Who you want to meet

Learn more about setting networking goals.

Show up consistently

Online networking is a long game. Posting once on LinkedIn or attending one networking event is a good start, but it won’t lead to valuable, long-term connections. Try to make online business networking a regular feature in your schedule if possible.

This might be through setting half an hour aside each morning to engage with other people’s LinkedIn posts or to send out connection requests and messages more regularly.  Or it might be booking yourself into one online networking event or virtual co-working session per month.  

Be yourself

The most genuine and valuable connections come from authenticity. While we all have a ‘business persona’ to some degree, it’s important that people get a clear impression of who you are. 

Follow up on connections

Not following up after networking (in-person or online) is a very common networking mistake. However, much of the true value in networking comes after the initial meeting. 

Sending a message when someone accepts your LinkedIn connection request or after an online networking event can help nurture the relationship. 

Even if the initial connection doesn’t directly result in a new client or customer, continuing to invest in the relationship could lead to wonderful things down the line. You may find that your connection recommends you to another person, for instance. Perhaps you find that they can offer you a service to support your business. Or maybe a collaboration opportunity arises at a later date.

No time for networking?

As mentioned, online networking is all about the long haul. When you run your own business, it’s easy for LinkedIn posts, networking events, and other connections to (understandably) fall down the list of priorities. 

However, putting the time and effort into networking can be well worth the investment. If you need a hand covering other aspects of your business, why not consider support from virtual assistant services? 

From email inbox management and blog post formatting to responding to reviews, a virtual assistant (VA), like Erin at Bizzybee, can take on a wide variety of tasks off your plate, allowing you to focus wholeheartedly on building your network and growing your business. 

Feel free to get in touch to see how the Bizzybee team can help.