Better Networking for Your Side Hustle Business
Is your networking falling flat? If you feel like you're putting in the effort without seeing the results, don't worry. It’s a common hurdle, especially when you're or . Here are ten straightforward ways to improve your networking game and build the connections you need for your .
1. Just Do More of It
Often, the simplest answer is the right one. If networking isn't yielding results, you might not be doing enough of it, or you haven't given it enough time. It's a long game. Show up to more events, engage with more people online, and connect with your contacts more frequently. So many people quit just before they’re about to have a breakthrough, like a swimmer turning back when they’re just over the horizon from the shore.
2. Get Involved with Your Group
One of the fastest ways to raise your profile is to join the team that runs your local networking group. You instantly become a familiar face and have a built-in reason to connect with anyone in the circle. If you're thinking you don't have time, reframe it. The hours you spend helping the group are a direct investment in your own marketing, which is a smart move when you .
3. Grab the 10-Minute Speaking Slot
Think about the last networking event you attended. Can you recall every 40-second introduction? Probably not. But you likely remember the person who gave the 10-minute presentation. That’s your goal. Prepare a talk that provides genuine value—give away free tips and information people can use immediately. This is how you establish yourself as an expert, a critical step in .
4. Get an Honest Opinion on Your Pitch
Your 40-second pitch is your professional calling card, but is it actually working? It’s time for a reality check. After you deliver it, ask the people sitting next to you for their candid thoughts. Pull aside a few trusted contacts and ask if your pitch makes sense to them. Use their feedback to refine your words and delivery until you get the response you want. These meetings are the perfect place to test and improve.
5. Visit Other Networking Groups
Don’t get stuck in a bubble. If your organization's rules permit, make a point to check out other networking meetings. You never know who you might meet—a potential partner, a dream contact, or someone who knows a person who needs exactly what you offer. By widening your circle, you also become a more valuable and well-connected member of your primary group.
6. Pick Up the Phone
In a world of DMs and emails, a simple phone call stands out. Go through your contact list and start calling people, especially those you’ve only met briefly. You can even connect with people you know from social media but have never spoken to. Find something interesting about their business and just chat. The key is to have no agenda other than getting to know them.
7. Host a Mini-Seminar
This one is a personal favorite because it’s a strategy I used to grow my own profile. Offer a free 30-minute workshop right after a networking event on your area of expertise. For example:
- could run a session on confident body language.
- could host a master class on five time-saving tips.
- could offer a seminar on seasonal property maintenance.
Book the room for an extra half-hour and share your knowledge. Some people will use your tips and tell others how great you are. Others will realize they need an expert—and you’ll be the first person they think of. This is a powerful way to show value and move your .
8. Use Social Media to Listen
Too many people use social media as a megaphone instead of a listening device. Flip that around. Use tools like Twitter’s search function to find people talking about your city or industry. If you find a local business owner, follow them, engage with their posts, and get to know them. It’s a numbers game—some will ignore you, but others will become valuable connections.
9. Make It Easy for People to Hire You
All the networking in the world is useless if potential clients find it difficult to do business with you. Package your services so the value is immediately clear to your target audience. Be present and accessible on platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter, and respond to messages and referrals quickly. When you build a reputation for being easy to work with on top of having a great product, you're set up for success in .
10. Remember That Networking Is Work
Finally, shift your mindset. Networking isn’t just an event you attend; it’s an active part of your work and a key component of . Every conversation is an opportunity to refine your communication skills, improve your service offering, and grow your contact list. See every interaction as a learning experience. Even realizing who you want to work with saves you time down the road. When you view it this way, networking is always productive for your .
