5 Reasons to Invest Your Time in Networking
Here’s why making connections at a networking event can help take your business to the next level
Houzz AU
2 July 2018
There are many reasons why you should invest time and energy in connecting with others at networking events. With a little effort, you’ll build your professional network, create new opportunities, find invaluable help and advice – and perhaps even enjoy yourself along the way.
1. Build your reputation
If you’ve ever been asked to recommend a business or service, chances are the first person that came to mind was someone you’ve either used before or spoken to directly. This is why it pays to get to know people at networking events – the more people you meet and form relationships with, the more chance you have of being remembered.
Build on the connections you make by being approachable and offering advice and help – you’ll soon build trust between yourself and other professionals and homeowners.
Find tips to help you grow your small business
If you’ve ever been asked to recommend a business or service, chances are the first person that came to mind was someone you’ve either used before or spoken to directly. This is why it pays to get to know people at networking events – the more people you meet and form relationships with, the more chance you have of being remembered.
Build on the connections you make by being approachable and offering advice and help – you’ll soon build trust between yourself and other professionals and homeowners.
Find tips to help you grow your small business
2. Find new ideas
By frequently talking to people in your industry, you’re more likely to find out about new innovations and movements in your profession. You can bounce ideas off others, discover fresh ways to do things, or get inspiration for moving into new markets.
Don’t forget to network with people who work in a completely different field to you as well – you might gain invaluable tips on how to attract business, organise projects or work with clients.
“Networking events are an ideal opportunity to make connections with experts local to you, who may turn out to be the perfect partner to collaborate with on a future project,” says Houzz’s European events manager Ffion Francis. “Perhaps you need help with restoring Victorian tiles; you could meet a tile restoration specialist at an event. You never know who you might meet, so keep an open mind and try to speak to as many people as possible.”
By frequently talking to people in your industry, you’re more likely to find out about new innovations and movements in your profession. You can bounce ideas off others, discover fresh ways to do things, or get inspiration for moving into new markets.
Don’t forget to network with people who work in a completely different field to you as well – you might gain invaluable tips on how to attract business, organise projects or work with clients.
“Networking events are an ideal opportunity to make connections with experts local to you, who may turn out to be the perfect partner to collaborate with on a future project,” says Houzz’s European events manager Ffion Francis. “Perhaps you need help with restoring Victorian tiles; you could meet a tile restoration specialist at an event. You never know who you might meet, so keep an open mind and try to speak to as many people as possible.”
3. Discover mentors
You can get business advice from books, but nothing beats talking to someone who’s been there. Make the most of networking events to meet experienced business people who are happy to chat and help others in the same position they were in a few years earlier.
As well as general networking events, find out about workshops and seminars, and don’t be afraid to ask questions – the advice you gain from other professionals in your field could really help to boost your business in the long run.
Discover networking tips for people who hate networking
You can get business advice from books, but nothing beats talking to someone who’s been there. Make the most of networking events to meet experienced business people who are happy to chat and help others in the same position they were in a few years earlier.
As well as general networking events, find out about workshops and seminars, and don’t be afraid to ask questions – the advice you gain from other professionals in your field could really help to boost your business in the long run.
Discover networking tips for people who hate networking
4. Get better deals
When you’re trying to get good terms from a supplier or find new contractors, it pays to form a friendly relationship. Networking events are a great place to meet new suppliers, get to know them, and find out about business opportunities. A little effort on your part could ensure a good deal with a quality firm.
“We’ve had feedback from many event attendees who made great business connections, and some have actually ended up working together on projects or finding new suppliers,” says Francis.
When you’re trying to get good terms from a supplier or find new contractors, it pays to form a friendly relationship. Networking events are a great place to meet new suppliers, get to know them, and find out about business opportunities. A little effort on your part could ensure a good deal with a quality firm.
“We’ve had feedback from many event attendees who made great business connections, and some have actually ended up working together on projects or finding new suppliers,” says Francis.
5. Make new friends
It might seem like a chore at first, but the more networking events you attend, the more fun you’ll have. By getting yourself out there, you’ll not only meet good mentors and business contacts, you might even make some friends.
To find out about some of the great networking opportunities Houzz organises, visit the events page.
Tell us
Have you made some good connections by attending networking events? Share your experiences in the Comments section.
It might seem like a chore at first, but the more networking events you attend, the more fun you’ll have. By getting yourself out there, you’ll not only meet good mentors and business contacts, you might even make some friends.
To find out about some of the great networking opportunities Houzz organises, visit the events page.
Tell us
Have you made some good connections by attending networking events? Share your experiences in the Comments section.
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Great article!
It depends entirely on the networking event. I've been to some networking events that have been great, some you can tell that people just want to suss out if they can use you to help their business and if not they vanish just as fast as they appeared.
But yes, overall networking can be beneficial.