Local Networking Success: Guelph-Wellington Unleashed

An old African Proverb states, "if you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far, go together." This proverb rings true in nearly all areas of life, especially in business. That's why the importance of networking as an entrepreneur cannot be overstated. But then the questions begin to creep in; Where do I go for networking opportunities? What do I do when I'm trying to network? How can I leverage my connections into actionable results?

Well, you're in luck; because throughout this article, we'll be addressing all of your networking woes, and more! Keep reading to learn how to grow your network and improve your standing as an entrepreneur within the Guelph-Wellington area.

Why is Networking Important?

Before we get into what you can do to grow your connections, we need to discuss why networking is pivotal to the success of your business. Here's some reasons why networking can lead you to entrepreneurial stardom;

• Avenue to exchange ideas: Sometimes as entrepreneurs it can be extremely useful to have people around that you can bounce ideas off of and receive feedback to help strengthen your strategies.
• Grow your business standing: All entrepreneurs know that spreading the word about your company is an extremely difficult thing to do. Having a strong network awards you with people throughout your community that can be an advocate for your business.
• Find new business opportunities: Looking for a partner, a new supplier, buyers for your B2B products, or anything else? Networking can assist you in finding opportunities and people that can propel your business forward.
• Build a support system: Sometimes being a small business owner can make you feel like nobody truly understands what you're going through. Building a strong network can allow for you to develop long-lasting connections with like-minded individuals that can facilitate an environment of mutual support and confidence building.

Networking Events in Guelph

Now that you truly understand the importance of growing your professional network, let's shed some light on several amazing networking opportunities happening right here in the Royal City over the next month.

• Lessons From Leaders- It's a Win-Win: Making My Business More Sustainable: This free event takes place on February 23rd from 7:30 to 9 AM through Boundless Accelerator at 400 Southgate Drive. Start your day off right with a coffee, continental breakfast, and networking session. This is followed by an open panel discussion with industry experts revolving around how sustainability can help to drive your business success.
• Gather & Connect: Stop by 10C Shared Space at 42 Carden St in the heart of Downtown Guelph on February 28th from 4:30 to 6 PM for their monthly Gather & Connect Event! This free session is open to everyone to stop by and tap into the community around you. No registration is required for you to come and connect with community leaders, and enjoy light snacks and a cash bar.
• International Women's Day Guelph-Wellington 2024: Attend this inspiring evening on March 6th from 5 to 9 PM at the Grand Guelph Banquet & Event Centre for Guelph-Wellington's International Women's Day celebration! This magical evening will feature a variety of appetizer and dessert stations, a marketplace of women entrepreneurs, networking opportunities with like-minded individuals, and live, interactive activities. Also, join our incredible panel of local women for an open discussion about inclusivity and belonging. Tickets for this opportunity to uplift women in your community cost just $67.80. Purchase yours today before they're all gone!
• Social Fusion: Stop by Royal City Brewing Co. at 199 Victoria Rd S on March 21st from 4 to 6 PM for the free Social Fusion event by the Guelph Chamber of Commerce. This evening is designed to help aspiring professionals and entrepreneurs expand their network and learn from established business owners within the community. Be sure to take advantage of this opportunity to tap into local resources and launch your future career!

Online Networking Tools

The life of an entrepreneur can often times be unbelievably hectic. So, that begs the question; What if I don't have time to attend networking events? Thankfully for you, there are plenty of online tools that allow you to grow your network.

One such destination is right here, on LinkedIn. The LinkedIn community is an incredible place to connect with professionals within a multitude of different backgrounds and industries. Simply by connecting with someone through LinkedIn, you have the power to leverage that connection to assist you in finding business success.

However, LinkedIn isn't the only place that allows you to digitally grow your network. Guelph Professionals Network is a place that allows individuals in Guelph to connect with professionals through both in-person and online means. Join their Facebook Group and follow their Instagram page to learn more about the amazing networking opportunities that the GPN has to offer.

Networking Tips and Strategies

All of that being said, putting yourself out there when networking is not an easy thing to do. Many people get anxious and nervous at even the thought of having to interact and sell themselves to a complete stranger. In this section, we're going to discuss some tips to help you become more comfortable and prepared when trying your hand at networking.

• Set clear goals: Before attending any networking event, or connecting with someone on LinkedIn, be sure to define your objectives. By knowing what you're looking to get out of the interaction, you'll be able to ask the right questions, find the right people, and create more meaningful bonds.
• Use active listening: Taking the time to actively listen to the person that you're talking to shows them that you care and are interested in what they have to say. Taking in what they're saying and responding in a meaningful way is the first step in having a valuable information exchange.
• Build a diverse network: When networking, people often gravitate towards individuals in their field. By diversifying your network, you will be able to gain outside perspectives, allowing you to tackle problems in ways that you would have never considered before.
• Offer value first: Networking is a two-way street. Instead of immediately asking favours of someone else, look for ways that you can provide value to them. By providing value first, it is more likely that the other person will follow suit.
• Follow-up effectively: All too often, people treat networking as a one time engagement; but the real value comes from the follow-up. A couple of days after meeting someone, be sure to send a thoughtful message that expresses your pleasure in connecting and suggesting steps for staying in touch.

Remember, networking isn't just about collecting business cards or LinkedIn connections, but about building long-lasting and mutually beneficial relationships. By implementing the strategies and attending the events mentioned in this article, you'll enhance your networking prowess and develop a more robust professional network for you and your small business. Growing your connections throughout the city not only helps to enhance your organization, but it also strengthens the fabric of the Guelph-Wellington business community.

Written By: Matteo Furfaro

Sources: Boundless Accelerator, 10C Shared Space, International Women's Day Guelph-Wellington 2024, Guelph Chamber of Commerce, Bianca Miller Cole- Forbes, Guelph Professionals Network