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Last Updated on October 18, 2018 by Work In My Pajamas
If you work from home, then it can sometimes feel difficult to ‘get your face out there’ or create a professional network of like-minded individuals. However, networking when working from home and running your own business shouldn’t be a cause for concern, you just have to take the right approach. Here’s our advice if you’re looking to network as part of your home business.
Remember it Takes Time
Remember when you’re networking, you’re not selling to the person you’re talking to directly. Instead, you’re selling through them, as they recommend you by word of mouth. As a result, networking takes time, as you have to gradually build trust, which isn’t a quick process.
Try building deep connections with people before you try to sell too hard. Don’t get disheartened if the first person says no or the first sale takes time, there’s no precise formula for networking success. If you’re working from home, you can be just as successful over the phone and via email as you can by speaking face-to-face.
Take to Social
If you’re a stay at home business man or woman, then it’s important to know that there are a number of ways you can network. It doesn’t just have to be face-to-face.
Email and phone are both popular forms of networking that you can do anywhere in the world. However, in addition to this, you shouldn’t ignore the importance of social media. Twitter, Facebook and especially LinkedIn can be important networking tools, helping you reach people you wouldn’t normally meet – don’t forget the hashtags!
Get Around
Although you can do a lot of your professional networking at home, it can also be a positive to get out and physically meet people. Local groups can be a great help (as long as you find relevant ones). There may be a local networking event in your town or city on a small scale, but BNI networking events can help you build a better business, too.
For some people, there are barriers to getting ‘out and about’ to network, such as impediments and physical difficulties. However, networking is important even if you’re restricted in mobility. For this reason, if this applies to you, it may be worth considering mobility scooters to help you go out and meet people.
Be Concise, Be Positive
Before you meet people, consider your ‘elevator pitch’. Can you succinctly tell someone who you are and what you do in under 60 seconds? It sounds easy, but people often struggle, so this is worth practicing.
In addition, when you deliver this pitch, be positive. Remember that you’re not wasting time and that you’re selling a product that offers real, honest value.
Follow these top tips and you’ll have no problem networking to help your stay at home business.
