The Importance of Networking in Business: How To Join Networking Groups in Tampa, Florida
How many times have you heard successful business owners talk about the importance of networking in business?
I’ve had mentors, bosses, and colleagues hammer in the idea that networking is the way to success in business. However, after going to my first local networking event, I came to one conclusion:
I hated it.
The events were stuffy (and a bit pretentious, if I’m being honest). It was obvious that everyone was there to pitch their business to someone else, making these “connections” feel ingenuine.
The only thing that kept me sane during these events were the two free cocktail drinks.
But I couldn’t ignore the fact that networking would play a huge role in my success as a business owner. Not only can these local networking groups introduce you to the “right” people, but they can amplify your skills as a leader and entrepreneur.
So, let me tell you about how I got over my loathing of networking events and how you can find a group that you can actually mesh with.
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What is Networking?
Networking involves getting together with peers in and outside of your industry through local networking groups or online communications.
Back in the day, when you heard the term “networking,” you thought of in-person events like the one I described above. However, I won’t say they’re all bad.
Conventions like the Alt Summit are life-changing for creative entrepreneurs. These are the type of networking events that I find actually beneficial. The Alt Summit hosts a multitude of panels hosted by today’s most influential thought leaders. They also give smaller entrepreneurs the chance to introduce themselves to large companies for potential (paid) collaborations.
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The Importance of Networking in Business
Okay, but what are the real advantages of going to these local events? If you’re not one to mingle with a crowd or blatantly promote your business, does networking really help?
Actually— yes. Even if you don’t walk away with a new client, these events can help spring new ideas for your business. On average, in-person meeting generates about 13.36 ideas versus virtual meetings, which generate 10.43.)
Plus, did you know that 55% of communication depends on your facial expressions and posture? Nonverbal communication helps build your authority and trust amongst peers and even potential clients or customers. Getting out there and letting people see the real you can help increase your brand awareness– just by you being you!
If you are looking to land a new client or deal, a local networking group is something you need to work into your monthly routine. 40% of prospects become new customers with in-person meetings, according to Marketing Expertus, 2020
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How To Join Our Women’s Networking Group in Tampa, Florida!
Despite understanding the importance of networking in business, as a woman, I found them intimidating.
Did you know that women are 26% less likely than men to ask for a referral, according to LinkedIn’s Gender Insights Report?
So, I started looking for networking groups for women. I wanted to surround myself with other women whom I could learn from. While women-led businesses are on the rise (we’re up to 40% in the US!), there are certain roadblocks and stereotypes we face that men just can’t relate to.
I ended up finding Rising Tide, which hosts local events called “Tuesday Togethers.” And it was the first time I felt comfortable in a networking environment.
And while I still love and attend Tuesdays Together, I felt limited in what I could learn at these monthly meetings. We didn’t have enough time to talk about marketing strategies, how to get clients, and creating content for our business.
That’s when I started my own women's networking group: Babe Crafted.
You don’t have to live in Tampa (hell, you don’t even have to live in Florida) to join our Babe Crafted community. If you’re ready to reap the benefits of joining a women’s networking group, here’s all you need to do:
Set up your monthly payments and enjoy your new community!
The Classic Babe membership is for you if you want guaranteed monthly in-person networking events in Tampa. However, our Digital Babe membership is perfect for dipping your toes in the networking waters!
Join Babe Crafted— the only in-person and digital women’s networking group in Tampa, Florida!
Disclaimer: The business owners featured in this blog are members of Babe Crafted (at the time of publishing).
