How can you find relevant networking opportunities for your startup?

Industry Associations and Trade Shows Online Professional Networks: Platforms like LinkedIn can be instrumental. Workshops, Seminars, and Webinars Networking Events and Meetups (coffees, lunches, dinner, happy hour) in your area or in your industry. Referrals from Existing Contacts: Don’t underestimate the power of your existing network (the low hanging fruit). Community Involvement: Participating in community events can increase your local visibility and open networking opportunities. Remember, the key to successful networking is not just about collecting contacts but building meaningful relationships. Additionally, follow-up is crucial after making new connections and look for ways to collaborate or assist each other.

Throw a party, seriously. One of the most cost effective ways to network your way to success is by throwing a party. My favorite way is to sponsor an event with a booth and rent out the penthouse suite and invite your target attendees to the party. You'll be the host and get to build a great relationship and make fast friends with your ideal audience. You can also ask complimentary non competitive companies trying to get in front of the same people to split the cost. I've been fortunate to make hundreds of millions of dollars in new partnerships and customers with this exact technique.

Get over yourself! There are people out there that desperately need your expertise and you are holding them back by NOT making yourself available to help them achieve their highest calling. We're all in this thing called life together and I've got to believe that a large part of that is to assist one another in achieving whatever level of mastery that we are capable of. So, the first part of networking successfully is knowing exactly what it is that you have to offer and identifying the target market that needs it most. Work with whatever time, talent, or treasure that you have in abundance. Next, make your perfect pitch anywhere that you can find target-rich areas. Market research should help you with any groups.

We held an event in the space we had targeted to open (our brewery). We provided the food and beverages that represented what our food and beer was going to be. We invited people to try both while hearing from our legal and accounting team. We then took 5-10 minutes to cast our dream for what our goals were. I find that people will attach themselves to your ideas if you make it bigger than yourself. As a result we became known for being a community minded organization that served the community. The beer and food were the conduit for promoting the real dream; creating a culture that served everyone in our community.

My experience is that creating a community of pre seed investors that you educate and train will promote and represents the opportunity to their contacts which leads to a solid and steady expansion of new investors and customers

Most high street banks have accelerator programs/incubators or organise meetups for specific industries like tech. There are networks for various entrepreneurs who are underrepresented, such as women, Black and Asian entrepreneurs and other global majority groups. These are all usually free. Enterprise Nation also organises meetups and runs various events across the country. Joining membership organisations can also help you access new networks.

Literally, the old fashion way is still referrals and personal introductions. I have found nothing more valuable and helpful than that.

To discover relevant networking opportunities for your startup, research both online and offline events like conferences, meetups, and workshops. Utilize platforms like Eventbrite, Meetup, or Startup Grind, and consider hosting your own events to connect with your target audience.

I always gained the most value by creating my own guerrilla events that complimented the main event. Once I hired a penthouse in New Orleans above a large coaching conference and invited senior leaders to attend and some rockstar coaches. Another time we hired John Travoltas yacht for masterminding sessions and a party complimenting a marketing conference and a further time we rented a large mansion close to the main conference where we held gatherings each day. By far we gained more value from these events than the main conferences each time.

One of the quickest ways is to ask your contacts on LinkedIn for recommendations in your local area. There are many different types of networking events available these days, from BNI weekly meetings that focus on passing qualified referrals, to more casual drinks and open networking once a month such as The After Work Club in Leeds. All will allow you to visit at least once before joining as a regular member. I’ve been involved in BNI groups for the last 15 years are have received a lot of referrals and made great some connections from it, but it takes time and effort to make it work to its maximum.

Join industry-related online communities and actively engage in discussions to expand your startup's network effectively. Platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, or niche forums provide valuable connections when you contribute meaningfully.

I completely agree that joining communities and groups is one of the best things you can do to network as a small business owner. However, these communities and groups are only beneficial if you are active in them and intentional about how you approach them. Connect with people that work in the same industry as your start up. Write personalised introductions when you reach out to people and approach with a purpose as opposed to generic catch all intros. Also share your journey as a small business owner in these communities. It may be the thing that encourages people to reach out to you.

Few Ideas - Join a local linkedin group and ensure you get business cards, Immediately link on linkedin with those present. Go to other local network groups, For newcomers first visit is free with many of these groups. Go to local business shows where often there will be speed networking sessions and plenty of stands. On Linkedin join local and relevant groups for your industry. Post relevant articles.Be sure to follow up and thank those who like posts\articles. Invite them to connect with you. Follow those who publish helpful articles of how to improve your LinkedIn profile, add key words. Look up profiles by using key words and follow those you find.

In addition to this, your local board of trade or industry specific associations can also provide you with ample networking opportunities.

If you don't know what communities to join, ASK. Find people that you would like to rub shoulders with and ask them where they network. Ask in social media groups what groups they like the best and why. Know what you are are looking for and be specific in your queries. People love to share when they are part of "the best."

Maximize your networking efforts by utilizing specialized networking apps like Shapr, Bumble Bizz, and AngelList. These platforms connect you with relevant individuals based on your profile and objectives, streamlining your networking process.

Over the years networking on Facebook has brought some of my best connections. Currently through the power of Facebook I’m collaborating with an aligned brand and delivering an industry first in the form of a 2 day Small Business & Careers Hub in our largest trade show. Facebook is enabling us to connect with small business owners, who are now getting access to exhibit for the first time at a reduced cost, while still accessing the same marketing opportunities as a traditional trade stand. Our networks are excited and talking to their networks about our event and it would be challenging to create this ripple effect with other formats.

Yes, there are definitely several networking apps. I was on Shapr for over five years but unfortunately they discontinued in 2023. Bumble Bizz is part of Bumble, which also has dating and for meeting new friends. I have used all three and recommend Bumble for meeting local people in your area for business or personal. I have met several people for business who became clients. I’ve also used LunchClub and have met several people from all over the world virtually.

Hoy en día es importante estar presente en redes sociales, para todo, por ejemplo, en mi caso que tengo una editorial de servicios, pueden ser las plataformas donde se compartan textos o también lecturas y reseñas, hay que conectar en ambos lados, tanto en los posibles clientes como en posibles socios o aliados, todo eso puede ser importante, las conexiones para uno y para la empresa.

Over the years networking on Facebook has brought some of my best connections. Currently through the power of Facebook I’m collaborating with an aligned brand and delivering an industry first in the form of a 2 day Small Business & Careers Hub in our largest trade show. Facebook is enabling us to connect with small business owners, who are now getting access to exhibit for the first time at a reduced cost, while still accessing the same marketing opportunities as a traditional trade stand. Our networks are excited and talking to their networks about our event and it would be challenging to create this ripple effect with other formats.

Identify Mutual Connections: Politely ask existing contacts if they know anyone in your target market or industry. Request Specific Introductions: Be specific about the connections you're seeking to make it easier for others to help. Utilize Social Media: Leverage platforms like LinkedIn to request introductions and showcase your business. Networking Events Attend relevant networking events to meet people in your industry Offer Value First: Build relationships by providing value or assistance to others before asking for introductions. Craft a Polite Message: Send personalized messages explaining your goals and requesting introductions. Express Gratitude: Thank those who provide introductions and keep them informed about the outcomes.

Utilize your existing network by requesting introductions and referrals. Leverage connections like friends, colleagues, and mentors to expand your reach and access valuable contacts for your startup.

This is where VC connections really help. However, be aware that the connections will be fruitful only if there is alignment between the parties's strategy and yours. Reaching out to your board members for introductions are a good path as well, since they are invested in your success!

I’ve always found the more your help others, the more others reach out to you to help. Seems simple, and in today’s fast paced, me focused world, it takes a dedicated effort to truly add value for others. But all it takes is asking “How can I help you?”. Try it

The key when asking for referrals is to ensure that you make it easy for someone to refer business to you. That means knowing the right channel, the right message and how to position you. Part of the right message means the referee understands what you actually do and offer and how you can add value. This way you do not get referred irrelevant people to you.

In my experience, you need to devote time in your agenda at least one hour a day to follow up your networks and contribute meaningfully.

In its simpler form, connect, connect, connect, build, build, build. Not rocket science. If time is on your side, then cast a wide net and attend a variety of events. They should not be too specific to your industry. You never know what cross sectoral opportunities may present themselves with an open mind. If you don't have time, then be more focused and identify a few events a year that you'll commit to. Both big and small events. And, of course, don't forget LinkedIn :)

Be organised. As you do more networking and meet more people, you really do need to consider using a 'system' to log who you meet, anything interesting about that person and when you plan to follow up. The system can be as simple as an Excel spreadsheet or go as far as having a full-on CRM system. As a small business, there are plenty of affordable options but the most important thing is that when you have your system - make sure you get into the habit of using it. Remember, garbage in means garbage out. So ensure you dedicate time to this practice. Finally, be sure to revisit your 'database' regularly to track people who you were meant to follow up as otherwise, you will forget and all that effort will result in nothing.

People need to realize that relationships are like planting seeds. You don’t plant the seed and dig it up the next day to see if it’s sprouting. You have to have trust and faith first of all in what you’re planting, and then, secondly, by nurturing and watering and pruning once it does sprout. Long-term relationships take time and require an extreme amount of patience and diligence. However, those who exercise these traits are the ones who have long lasting powerful results.

Follow up in any profession is extremely important. Set yourself apart from the competition by recognizing when someone provides you a referral. You can thank them by social media posts, give them online reviews and thank-you cards. How will you differentiate yourself so that you will stay top of mind?

Tell the world what you believe and develop your own personal brand and watch the world come to you with opportunities you could never have imagined.

When it comes to networking be open to trying out a variety of different groups with an open mind. Get a gage of the what works for you, your business objectives and understand the room(s) you need to be in to achieve that. Eventually commit and invest in a regular one (that’s not to say you can’t go to others). It’s a good way to become memorable and referable through familiarity and credibility. Not everything is about sales in networking. It’s about developing relationships to build trust for positive outcomes. The attitude of giving and being of value is also beneficial.

There is no substitute for face to face networking and you can never judge the ROI of a social interaction. Put yourself in many different social situations, ideally within your industry, but not necessarily. Look for areas of synergy and where you can add value. Be interesting by being interested. Make new contacts and refresh old contacts with openness and a beginners mind. Before you know it, your network will expand and your weak contact list will bare more fruit.

I think it’s all about listening and understanding what you’re potential clients/ customers need and want so they can be successful in their business.

Leverage Industry Associations: Join relevant industry associations and chambers of commerce for access to exclusive events attracting key players. Membership aligns your startup with a network tailored to its objectives. Collaborate with Niche Influencers: Identify influencers in your niche, forging partnerships for joint events or content creation. Their endorsement expands your reach within a community already interested in your offerings. Host Exclusive Events: Create invite-only events, adding exclusivity to attract high-value connections. Whether webinars, roundtable discussions, or in-person gatherings, tailor these events to your startup's niche for maximum impact.