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A blog dedicated to helping female business owners design their dream job without spending hours online.

WELCOME TO

THE CRUSH THE RUSH BLOG

A blog dedicated to helping female business owners design their dream job without spending hours online.

Networking Secrets for Female Entrepreneurs: How to Build Your Local Network Organically

blog building your funnel engagement strategy lead magnet Jun 03, 2024
business strategist for female entrepreneurs Holly Haynes with local network on computers with vase of flowers sitting in front

As I write this blog post, we are wrapping up our 6th round of Anti-Social School, and graduation is this week! We've had over 100 students go through this program since we launched it, and my FAVORITE activity that comes out of all these workshops is the power of organic, local networking. Hands down, the easiest way to make an impact and a profit is to connect with those you know. But the icing on the cake is when you can do it in person. It's like the fast pass lane at Disney World: skip the line and get right to the ride.

Why Organic Local Networking Matters

Organic local networking is all about building genuine relationships with other professionals in your area, outside of a forced or sales-driven environment. It's about connecting, collaborating, and supporting each other's businesses through authentic interactions.

Benefits of Organic Local Networking

Here are a few reasons why organic local networking should be on your radar:

  1. Increased Brand Awareness: By putting yourself out there and connecting with others, you're raising awareness of your brand and what you offer.
  2. Potential for Referrals and Collaborations: When people know, like, and trust you, they're more likely to refer you to their network or explore collaboration opportunities.
  3. Access to Valuable Resources: Through networking events and conversations, you can discover valuable resources like industry insights, potential partners, or even new clients.
  4. Building a Strong Support System: Surrounding yourself with a network of other entrepreneurs can be incredibly motivating and supportive, especially when you're facing challenges.


Steps to Building Your Organic Local Network

Now, let's talk about some actionable steps you can take to start building your organic local network and the ones I am seeing working now. Let's face it the market is saturated. That isn't going to change. But being known in your community as the go-to person can definitely make you stand out.
 

1. Identify your ideal connections

Who are the other professionals you'd like to connect with? Consider industry peers, complementary businesses, or potential referral sources. I actually did this last fall. I made a list of all the local businesses I wanted to get to know. And just like we teach in Anti-Social School, every week for almost a year, I reached out to at least one person. No selling. No pitching. Just hey, I noticed you were in Columbus, too. Sometimes it turned into a coffee date, sometimes a collab and in some cases, I made some really amazing friends.

Example: If you're a wedding planner, reaching out to local florists, photographers, and caterers can create a robust referral network. These connections often result in cross-promotion and shared client bases.

 

2. Attend relevant events

Look for local meetups, workshops, conferences, or industry gatherings related to your field. Honestly, as an introvert, this one makes my heart skip a beat a bit. Every time I attend an event I make a goal: introduce myself to three people. That's it. The fun part about this step in networking is it fuels #1. You never know who you are going to meet and what it might lead to.

 
My favorite part of attending events is actually not the event, it's the follow-up. Most people don't expect you to check in with them a month later. What I teach you is the "Who and the How". Create a networking list (can be a spreadsheet, click-up, etc) and for every conversation you have, track it. This is not a sleazy sales tracker, but if you meet someone amazing at an event, mark down who it was. And then follow up with something (the how) and how you can help them.
 
Example: It doesn't have to be a business ask. Maybe you both had really amazing shoes and you sent Sally the link after the event. The Who in your spreadsheet is Sally. The How you can help her are the shoes and where you purchased them. The secret sauce is setting a reminder for one month from now to follow up with her on how the shoes were.
 
99% of people won't do this. You will automatically stand out (in the best way!)
 
 Introducing a new private podcast series that’s just for you if you’re sick of all the Instagram BS! (or insert social channel of your choice). You can build a business without being a slave to the social engine. Grab the free series.
 

3. Join local business groups

Many communities have local business associations or chambers of commerce that offer networking opportunities.
 
Example: I have a client, Lisa, who built her entire business off of these local groups. She set a goal to go to one a week (most of these host weekly or monthly meetings) and then implemented the Who and the How strategy. Last year, she started with a business idea. Today, she has a team of seven. No social media needed. Don't underestimate the power of following a plan when most don't.
 
 

The Power of Being a Connector

Finally, I love a good saying to help you remember the power of this strategy. Be a connector, not just a collector: Focus on building genuine connections. Offer help, share valuable resources, and be someone others can rely on.

Sometimes it's not all about how to get new clients, but WHO you can introduce. Be the connector. Be the one who introduces your friends to the new best friends they need and help their business skyrocket. I am a huge believer that there is enough to go around for everyone and this beats slimy sales tackets any day.

Example: Suppose you meet a graphic designer and a web developer at different events. Connect them. They could collaborate on projects, benefiting both their businesses and yours as a trusted connector.

Challenge Yourself: Step Out of Your Comfort Zone

 
I challenge you to step outside your comfort zone and start building your local network organically. Remember, it's about building relationships, not just collecting business cards. By putting yourself out there and making genuine connections, you'll be surprised at the doors that open for you and your business.
 
PS - This is just an example of what we teach inside Anti-Social School. Just go to www.hollymariehaynes.com/antisocial to learn more. Class is on pause over the summer but if you put down a deposit to enroll you get a free quarter (this summer) inside our CTR Club PLUS our Crush your Launch Blueprint AND the first module of Anti-Social School to hold you accountable this summer.

 

Looking for more tips? Check out our Crush the Rush Club!

 

About the author

Holly Haynes is a business strategist who loves a good plan and flow chart. She is crazy passionate about teaching women like you how to build your dream job and scale to 6-figures without sacrificing your weekends or priorities.

Connect With Holly:

Hi, I’m Holly Marie Haynes!

Holly Marie Haynes is a business strategy coach, podcaster, mom of twins, and founder of the Crush the Rush brand. She helps women create simple scaleable offers and systems to grow to multiple 6-figures.

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Holly Marie Haynes is a business strategy coach, podcaster, mom of twins, and founder of the Crush the Rush brand. She helps women create simple scaleable offers and systems to grow to multiple 6-figures.

Holly Marie Haynes is a business strategy coach, podcaster, mom of twins, and founder of the Crush the Rush brand. She helps women create simple scaleable offers and systems to grow to multiple 6-figures.