Business Networking for Entrepreneurs: A Networking How-To Guide

CLEVELAND, March 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Effective business networking can help your entrepreneurial startup garner more customers, partners and investors. You've already worked hard to make your products and services top-notch and you've put together a killer business and marketing plan, and business is growing. Slowly.

Many entrepreneurs find themselves confronting slower than expected growth in their business and gain less traction than anticipated. Often, these shortcomings boil down to a simple matter of connections and networking skills. Many entrepreneurs do not foresee the important role that business networking will play in the development of their enterprise.

"Business networking is essential for entrepreneurs who want to make their business successful," said Ray Leach, CEO of JumpStart Inc., the venture development organization behind IdeaCrossing, a free online resource that connects entrepreneurs with investors and business mentors.

"We urge all entrepreneurs to engage in both online and offline business networking activities in order to maximize their exposure to potentially beneficial business connections," added Leach.

Offline Business Networking

Traditional business networking events remain a great avenue through which to meet potential business contacts and investors. Trade shows, seminars, "meet & greets" and other similar events provide an environment rich in potential connections for anyone looking to expand their network.

At the same time, entrepreneurs must realize that anyone they meet at any time could become a potentially powerful member of their network. The person behind you in line at the coffee shop could have contacts in venture capital, or could be a potential client -- you never know until you start engaging in conversation with the people around you.

With opportunities continually presenting themselves, entrepreneurs should always have their "elevator pitch" ready. First impressions are always important, so when a new acquaintance asks the inevitable "what do you do?" question, the savvy entrepreneur will be prepared to present his or her company in the best light. Entrepreneurs should also make themselves memorable. Having business cards with you at all times will help, but making that crucial good first impression is the most effective way to stick in someone's mind.

Online Business Networking

Social networking sites such as Facebook and MySpace have been big news- makers for several years now, but many entrepreneurs may be unaware that smaller business-oriented online networking resources exist as well.

Business-oriented online social networks such as LinkedIn and ZoomInfo allow individuals to create profiles detailing professional experience, current occupations and business ventures and interests.

Other online communities revolve around blogs and online forums. While entrepreneurs can always offer insights on their own blogs or websites, an important part of building a network in this area is contributing to others' sites as well. The discourse can help build a reputation in the community surrounding an industry online.

IdeaCrossing is an online social network that not only provides matchmaking between entrepreneurs and investors or business mentors, but is also equipped with a discussion forum where entrepreneurs can actively engage with other community members -- whether they are other entrepreneurs, investors, business mentors or service providers. This allows them the opportunity to pose a question, start a discussion, or simply connect with other members of the site.

Ultimately entrepreneurs need to be proactive about networking in order to make it an effective force in their business. No single avenue is likely to achieve all of an entrepreneur's goals, but a combination of several networking venues can help form a network that will help grow a startup business and make it more likely to succeed in the long run.

About IdeaCrossing

IdeaCrossing is a free Internet resource available to all individuals and organizations with an interest in supporting and promoting entrepreneurial activity. IdeaCrossing helps entrepreneurs find the assistance and investment capital they need to launch promising new business ventures. Additionally, IdeaCrossing serves the Angel and Venture Capital community by identifying and screening new investment opportunities. Simply stated, IdeaCrossing is about creating the connections that build businesses.

    Links:
    https://www.ideacrossing.org/
    https://www.ideacrossing.org/RegisterEntrepreneur/index.aspx
    https://www.ideacrossing.org/RegisterInvestor/index.aspx
    https://www.ideacrossing.org/StdForumPage.aspx
    https://www.ideacrossing.org/News/Resource_NewsItem.aspx?id=794