That is who I am. I’m the guy that has to learn everything on my own. I’m horrible at taking advice. So when I first opened my business and was told to Network, I said “Pffooey.” I knew better then that!
Now that I have spent over $20,000 in advertising that didn’t really do much for me, have a company name and logo that I’m not so sure reflects what I do, and know that I missed a host of other considerations and services that would have drastically improved my first three months of sales, I have one bit of advice for you…. Network.
In my first week of networking, several business owners recounted to me that they had done the same thing as I had. What is funny about this, and I’m the type to laugh at myself, is that I didn’t even bring this topic up. I just began speaking with the owners and they told me about their pitfalls when they first started. Yes it’s true, I was not the first person in history to screw these things up. In fact I would estimate that a full 75% of the business owners that I have spoken with have made similar mistakes.
To tell you the truth, I thought networking was for those charismatic extroverts who exude charm and can reel in sales with every potential “fish” they encounter. I considered it a high pressure environment where if you did not quickly obtain leads for other networkers, that you would be bound, gagged, and thrown out of a moving car on some deserted road.
Being a complete introvert, I did not want to find myself walking nude in my socks along County Road 6. You see as an introvert, I prefer to stand by the Taquito’s while gulping down any provided beverage rather than having to “mingle” with others. But what I found at the networking events surprised me. The folks at these venues actually approach you and all you have to do is answer their questions which often begin with “what do you do?” Even better, they have all experienced the ups and downs of business ownership and can supply you with a wealth of experience and guidance to help you on your road to entrepreneurship. Most have made the same mistakes I had, and would have gladly pointed me in the right direction if only I’d asked!
You see, this tiny little morsel of advice I offer, “to network”, actually is a pointer to a small door that leads to the minds of hundreds of other business owners that each know hundreds of other business owners that collectively know more than you or I will ever know.
So the next time you hear about a “Women Of” after hours or perhaps an “Elle Group” event, check it out! Not only might you make some new friends and get a chance to talk about your business, but you might also get a wealth of free advice from people that have “been there”.
Feel free to drop me a note if you want to compare notes or even vent – I figure you might just be one more person I can learn something from, and hopefully I can do the same for you.
Best of luck.
About the author:
Dan Prochada is the owner of The Safer Spot, a safe meeting location in Westminster that can be used to comfortably meet a client, contractor, a Craigslist buyer, or even as a place to host a small meeting. Learn more at www.TheSaferSpot.com or email Dan at Daniel@TheSaferSpot.com.