In any type of business setting, the ability to network and meet other business-minded people is vital. When it comes to Bakersfield business networking, local entrepreneurs in the area can establish important relationships, gather new knowledge, and learn how to help their business thrive. There are endless benefits to becoming part of any networking community, and it will be rewarding for you as well as your business.
In this guide, we share 10 tips for successful business networking in Bakersfield.
1. What Are Your Goals?
First things first: what works for you might not work for another business owner, and vice versa. The truth is that we all have unique goals. That means in order to reap the most benefits from your networking efforts, you need to first set and understand your own goals.
What do you hope to accomplish from networking? Perhaps you’re looking to gain specific knowledge, or your goal is to find collaboration partners. Maybe your only goal is just to meet other business owners and hope they get to know your face, too. These are realistic goals, but they simply won’t be the same for everyone. Setting goals will help you measure success.
2. Mark Your Calendar for Local Events
When you are networking, there are a lot of different options you can use. You can join online conferences and sessions, meet up at networking events, or be a part of specialty groups. One of the best things you can do to meet others and become better known is to attend local events.
Whether they are events thrown by a networking group or something like Chamber of Commerce meetings and local conferences, these events are important. They increase your visibility, but they also give you the chance to meet other professionals. You get in front of more people, and you discover more people who can support you as you strive for your goals.
3. Try Some Professional Organizations
Most areas have a number of professional organizations. The Bakersfield Business Networking Group is just one of these organizations. You will find there are others, too, such as the Chamber of Commerce. Take the time to look into available professional organizations and get involved with at least one of them.
These organizations have tons of resources, but they also provide networking means. They will typically host events, conferences, and training so that businesspeople can come together and share or learn. It’s often an exclusive group of established professionals, and it may include a variety of industries. You can also look for groups specific to your industry, if you prefer.
4. Use Social Media
Social media is a great tool for business owners. You just have to be willing to use it and make the most of it. Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter/X are all considered valuable networking social media solutions for businesses.
This is where you can share real life as a business, interact and engage with followers, and even follow other businesses and groups that you are interested in.
5. Always Have an Elevator Pitch
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Do you have a go-to explanation of what you do and who you are? This is typically referred to as an elevator pitch. This is the point in an introduction or overview where you have a quick moment to make a strong first impression. It should be an engaging summary of who you are and what your business does. What makes you special?
Establish an elevator pitch and memorize it so you can deliver it smoothly every time. It doesn’t have to be word for word, but a general summary that is easy to repeat and remember.
6. Always Carry Business Cards
You never know when you might need to hand someone a business card. While you are less likely to need them when you’re grocery shopping, you should always be prepared. This is especially important when you attend any kind of networking opportunity or event.
7. Be Approachable
Make yourself approachable and friendly! Even if you are shy, you can still learn body language and facial expressions that will be genuine and approachable. This will be important to actually make new connections and build relationships as you go.
8. Don’t Forget the Follow-Up
Making follow-ups is incredibly important. When you meet someone new, you should plan to follow up with them within about 48 hours. This doesn’t mean you have to call every single person you meet. What it does mean is that if there was a connection or an opportunity, then you should initiate a quick message or call to reinforce that connection after the fact.
9. Provide Value
You should provide value to others. You want to network with others, but it works both ways. How can you also offer value to other people by sharing knowledge, being a referral source, or even offering services?
As you network, consider how it can work as a two-way street.
10. Be Consistent
Finally, consistency is always important. This won’t just be a one-time approach that you expect to magically sustain you forever. You will need to continue networking and continue engaging with people in your network. Establishing and maintaining connections and relationships is really where the magic of networking happens.
Your goal should be to build up a robust networking that can be supported and useful for the long-term. You aren’t here just to get a sale or a referral; you are here to build relationships, and those are not a one-time connection.
Network Through Bakersfield Business Networking Solutions
Networking in Bakersfield offers many benefits. As you consider the options, determine your goals, develop a strategy, and be persistent with your efforts. Take advantage of the resources and strengthen relationships that can be mutually beneficial.
We can help you with networking solutions at Bakersfield Business Network. Contact us today to get started!
