Networking tools are vital to the success of a business in today’s highly connected world. Whether you’re a small business or an enterprise, network planning and troubleshooting can be challenging. Our experts have tested dozens of tools across multiple platforms and reported on what is most effective and easy to use for network monitoring and management.
You’re an entrepreneur, and you want to get more clients. What should you use to help you network with people in your industry? What tools should you use to help you build relationships with other business owners?
Networking is one of the most important things you can do as an entrepreneur. It helps you build relationships with other businesses, meet new potential partners, and build a strong community of support around your company.
I will share my favorite tools that you can use to network with other business owners and entrepreneurs in your industry. I’ll also detail the people you should network with and how you can build relationships with them.
What is a networking tool?
A networking tool is a way to stay in touch with other people in your industry. While email is a good way to stay connected, it can feel clunky.
Networking tools can be anything from a website, where you can create a profile and post a message, to a LinkedIn group where you can share content, to an app like Meetup, where you can build and attend events.
As an entrepreneur, you’ll want to be aware of two types of networking tools.
How do you find and use networking tools?
If you’re looking to improve your networking skills, you’re probably wondering how to find the best networking tools. There are so many different options; what do you pick? The good news is that you don’t have to spend hours researching; you can just follow the tips below.
What are some good networking tools?
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, small business owner, or solopreneur, several tools can help you build your network. LinkedIn is a great social media platform for business owners, freelancers, and entrepreneurs. As of November 2018, LinkedIn has over 1.3 billion users. On LinkedIn, you can connect with other professionals, get introductions to other business owners, and even create your business page.
Google+ is a less commonly used social media network for building connections. It was a precursor to Google+, with over 966 million active users. Twitter is a great place to find influencers and connect with other businesses. Over 280 million users access Twitter every month.
Social Media Tools for Small Businesses
While many tools can be used to market a business, many entrepreneurs use social media as part of their overall marketing plan.
A small business may start using social media tools such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram ads. They’ll use these tools to promote their business and get more followers.
Other tools include Hootsuite, Buffer, and TweetDeck.
What are some other networking tools?
Don’t just network with other business owners; find like-minded business owners to network with. Business owners tend to stick to their niche. They have a specialized skill or service that makes them unique. By finding other business owners who share similar values, you can build a strong community of support that will boost your business.
In addition to building a community of support, networking with other business owners can help you grow your business by making introductions. You’ll often hear that networking is the way to get a referral.
You don’t have to approach every person you meet with a pitch. Instead, try to meet new business owners who share a mutual interest.
For example, I regularly attend local meetups, startup weekends, and conferences. I’ve connected with people at these events, and they’ve helped me network with other regional entrepreneurs.
By connecting with other business owners, you’ll have the opportunity to get to know them, and you might even strike up a conversation about a mutually beneficial project.
Frequently Asked Questions Networking Tools
Q: What are some of the best networking tools for business?
A: LinkedIn. People tend to forget that you need to build your network online. I recommend that you join LinkedIn and start building your network there. Once you have created your network there, ensure you are using it. You should also join the Facebook group for people in your industry. These groups are a great way to learn from other people’s experiences.
Q: How can I network online?
A: You must put yourself out there and connect with people. You must do it on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, and other social media sites.
Q: What is the best way to network online?
A: Online networking is more effective when you have a niche and are trying to make connections within your place.
Q: What do you do when you are not networking?
A: When not networking, I am reading, writing, or studying.
Q: What has been your greatest accomplishment?
A: My greatest accomplishment was getting into the College of Fashion at the University of Florida. I wanted to make this dream a reality, and it paid off.
Top Myths About Networking Tools
1. Most business owners do not need a professional website.
2. Business cards have to be used all the time.
3. Professional websites are not important for the majority of small businesses.
Conclusion
Networking is the process of connecting with other people. It involves finding new connections, creating meaningful relationships, and growing your network. Networking is the way to go if you want to join communicatetential with clients, colleagues, or vendors.
Networking is a great way to find new leads, find your next opportunity, and meet people who may have some valuable information to share. Networking is an exercise in self-promotion. For others, it’s a chance to expand their horizons and learn new things. Whatever you believe about networking, it’s something you can do today.
