The Beginner's Guide for Effective Networking

You probably hear the word networking at least 5x a week as an industry pro living in the fast-paced grind of today’s hustle. That being said, you also likely have a good idea of WHY you need to be networking amongst your industry (and even outside of it!), too, but might not be as sure where to start. Don’t worry! We’ll walk you through all the essentials of networking for your small business, share some handy tips you can even try out today, and more. But first…

What Really IS Networking?

Networking is all about building connections with others in your industry or related fields, with the aim of supporting each other's career or business growth. It's not just about advancing professionally—it's about forming meaningful relationships where you can exchange advice, share information, and offer support.¹ Whether you're attending industry events, joining professional organizations or clubs, or even just chatting casually, every interaction is an opportunity to connect.

The core of these relationships and interactions are created in a mutually beneficial way, key word: mutually. Networking means you both grow and learn together; it should never be one-sided. Over time, you’ll see that these connections can lead to new opportunities, collaborations, and valuable insights that help you and everyone else involved. And it all starts with your elevator pitch.

Let’s Hear Your Elevator Pitch…

First thing’s first when it comes to networking for your business: know your elevator pitch! It’s a short, engaging summary of your idea or business you can share in the time it takes to ride an elevator—or about 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Think of it as your golden opportunity to spark someone's interest about your vision. It's about making a strong first impression in a friendly, clear, and confident way, so whoever you’re talking to wants to know more! Here’s an example:

Simple, quick, effective, right? You don’t need to go too far into the details or try to sell yourself too hard when it comes to your elevator pitch. Instead, focus on letting your passion infectiously shine through your pitch and organically captivate who you’re speaking with. Focus more on the why of what you do, and less on the how. Often times, strangers are more drawn to a genuine connection with another human as opposed to being sold on something. Once they’re hooked, you can dive into the specifics!

Get Plugged In: Where to Find Networking Opportunities Near You

Alright, you know what networking is: check. You have your elevator pitch: check. Now, how do you actually network amongst other growing or established industry pros? How do you get your foot in the door? Truth be told, there’s tons of different methods, but these next few are the easiest to start out with while keeping costs low, and still maximizing your connections. Up first on our list:

Online Communities

You can find forums, blogs, or other communities online using services like Facebook Groups, LinkedIn, or Reddit—to name a few—that help connect you with other individuals or businesses with similarly-aligned missions or offerings. It can be hard to choose which one works best for you since each app comes with its different pros and cons, so we’d recommend giving each a fair shot!

For example, Reddit is great for finding entire communities of people who are interested about a specific topic, from Pilates coaching or best practices (r/pilates) or even a place for tattoo artists to mingle, share advice, and show off their work (r/tattooartists)! On the other hand, something like LinkedIn is used to keep your fingers on the pulses of your favorite companies, and meant more to connect you directly with other individuals in your field.

Local Business Chambers

Local business chambers and industry associations are fantastic resources for small businesses looking to grow and connect with the community. Chambers of Commerce, like the ones in Los Angeles and Manhattan, offer a huge range of events like mixers, luncheons, and workshops where you can meet local professionals and gain entrepreneurial insight. Industry associations, like the American Marketing Association, also host conferences and provide online forums & training that bring together people from your field to share experiences or advice.

You can also try scouting out local business alliances, like the Times Square Alliance, who focus on building a community of professionals and supporting businesses in specific areas with events and promotional opportunities. As a blooming professional engaging with these organizations, you not only expand your network but also find a supportive community that can help your business thrive in the long run. Speaking of finding a supportive community…

Shared Workspaces

Coworking spaces are fantastic environments for small business owners and freelancers looking to expand their network. They offer more than just a desk—they’re vibrant communities where you can attend regular networking events, mixers, and professional workshops. For instance, WeWork and Spaces are known for their engaging events that help members build valuable connections with one another.² The collaborative atmosphere and energy encourage natural interactions and partnerships that you might not find in a coffeeshop or alone at your front desk after hours.

A handful of shared workspaces facilitate mentorship and collaboration opportunities as well, connecting you with experienced professionals in your industry, or in general, who can offer guidance. Plus, they often provide you with essential tools or resources, like meeting rooms and high-speed internet, to support both your relationship building and everyday business needs. Overall, coworking spaces create supportive environments where you can thrive and build meaningful connections.

Local & Virtual Events

Online and local networking events, like Vagaro’s yearly iconic conference, are a great way for small businesses to connect and grow, no matter where you’re at in your professional journey, or even geographically! If your goal for now is to sharpen up your skills or expand your industry knowledge, an online webinar where you can learn from experts and interact with fellow attendees should be your first stop. If you’re looking to focus on just networking and less on the educational aspect, then maybe virtual conferences, like iconic.24, that bring the energy of live events online, are going to be best for you. Plus, they’re often complete with keynotes and virtual networking lounges!

When it comes to things like in-person (and virtual!) trade shows, such as Premiere Orlando and the Bronner Brothers Beauty Show, you’re often able to showcase your business and talent while networking with a global audience. It’s way easier to expand your network on a broader scale at once because of this, plus get a chance to source talent or employees who align with your mission or services.

Networking takes many shapes, but at its heart, it’s about building genuine relationships with those in or around your industry. It can be daunting at first, and that’s absolutely okay, but what matters most is that you don’t let that fear stunt yours or your business’s growth. Be confident; be fearless; be YOU—and the rest will follow suit. We’re rooting for you!

Looking for a software that grows with your vision? Consider a 30-day complimentary trial with Vagaro and see what you can accomplish, we’re with you at every step!

Sources:

1. https://www.leavedates.com/articles/10-networking-tips-for-small-businesses
2. https://www.wework.com/solutions/events