Keep Up the Good Network: Tips for Small Business

Networking - it's the word on everyone's lips, the ultimate tool in climbing the career ladder. However, calling too much attention to this word can be detrimental to your small business. Networking is what people have been doing for centuries—it's an age old concept entailing socialization and genuine teamwork to further professional aims. Here are some tips for your small business to follow in the modern age.

Pro Tips

“There is no one that you can't network with, if you're willing to try,” states Thursday Bram, a consultant for Hyper Modern Consulting, at TheYec.org. Let that be inspiration to small business owners—no one is off the table. The chief executive-elect of Ernst & Young, Mark Weinberger, told the Washington Post that while he spent time in the capital, he “had a thirst for knowledge and would talk with many members of Congress. His willingness to make meaningful connections initiated executive Weinberger's rise up the corporate food chain. Ensure that these connections take place by researching people beforehand, suggested Doreen Bloch, the CEO and founder of Poshly Inc. “Spontaneity is great, but researching some people who you'll want to connect with helps too,” she said.

Two-Way Street

The concept of give and take is a crucial element to networking. It's all about reciprocity, according to Career Builder. Networking must be symbiotic rather than parasitic. Don't take without offering to give back. Everyone has something to give whether that's more contacts, insider information or general expertise in a given subject. If you take without giving back, that person will feel used and your reputation may suffer because of it. Instead, think of the networking relationship as a two-way street. Always presume these contacts will become long-term business partners and act accordingly.

Social Networking

What good is an article about networking without mentioning social networks? The goal of social networking, however, should be gaining new and genuine connections to assist you in the physical world, not just racking up a legion of “friends” and “followers.” If you use Twitter, consider Followerwonk, SEOmoz's analytic app to further your networking goals. With this tool, users can find and connect with new influencers in your field of expertise. Simply following influential people isn't enough—you must proactively communicate with them and potentially meet up with them in person. Users can also discover useful information on followers such as where they're located and when they tweet.

A Card Up Your Sleeve

Don't underestimate the power of a business card. In this world of smartphones and digital communication, paper business cards haven't become antiquated just yet. Think of all the times you've forgotten someone's name seconds after an introduction. Business cards are memory assistants, an object that your contacts can easily retrieve for your personal contact information. Without relying on gimmicks, make your card stand out. It need not be rectangular or black and white—be creative and original. The business card is an extension of yourself and a crucial prop during first impressions.