5 Top Tips to Supercharge Your Oxfordshire Business Networking Event Experience

Hello fellow newbie business networking enthusiast! With two decades of experience running networks and attending various small business networking events, I know that the world of business networking is a vast and exciting one.

However, I understand that for newcomers to self-employment, it can be an intimidating journey.

But fear not! In this blog, I'm going to dive into five expert tips to ensure that new small business owners (like you!) can harness the full potential of attending Oxfordshire Small Business networking events (and hopefully ours!).

Tip #1 - Set Clear Objectives with a Dash of Excitement

Before you head to a small business networking event, take a moment to envision what you want to achieve. Think about it like a treasure hunt! Are you searching for potential clients, partners, or mentors? Setting clear objectives will give you direction and enthusiasm as you navigate the event, allowing you to get the most out of it. Or if it's your first one, don't stress, why not just use it as an opportunity to engage, listen and observe. At our Oxfordshire small business network event (Heyford Park Business Network), we have a chilled drop-in vibe, making it easier to connect on an informal and relaxed level. No stress here!

Tip #2 - Craft an Electrifying Elevator Pitch

Imagine your elevator pitch (quickly telling someone about your small business in a clear and concise way - what problems do you solve etc) as a little spark that ignites curiosity. Work on it until it's a clear and captivating story – one that instantly makes people want to know more. With a fantastic elevator pitch, you'll have folks lining up to chat with you! At our Oxfordshire small business network event we don't expect any formal stand-up pitch, but it's always good to have this ready in case someone asks you "what do you do?"

"Clarity is that 20/20 focus that cuts through the fog and lets you stand out from the noise" – Steve Woodruff, Clarity Wins: Get Heard. Get Referred

Tip #3 - Tune In and Turn Up the Energy

Small business networking events are like buzzing beehives of ideas and opportunities. Be the friendly, approachable bee that's eager to pollinate and gather nectar. Listen actively to others, ask open-ended questions, and share your passion. Your positive energy will attract like-minded people. Be curious, be interested.

Tip #4 - Follow Up Swiftly with a Splash of Appreciation

Once the event is over, don't let those new connections fizzle out like a deflated balloon. Send out thank-you emails or messages, connect on LinkedIn etc, expressing your excitement about meeting them at our Oxfordshire small business networking event. It's like sending a virtual high-five! Or why not take it a step further and suggest a one to one informal meet-up. Prompt follow-ups keep the momentum going and show that you value the connection.

Tip #5 - Keep the New Connection Fire Burning, Oxfordshire Small Business Network Event Style 🔥

Building a robust business network is like nurturing a beautiful garden. Be patient, and remember that it takes time for flowers to bloom. Keep attending business networking events regularly and continue to water your connections with kindness. Share valuable insights, offer help when you can, and watch those relationships grow into fantastic partnerships.

Did you know we also have an active Heyford Park Business Network Facebook Group Community where you can connect, engage and inspire outside of our monthly events?

To join it please CLICK HERE.

To Summarise...

Small business networking events are like vibrant festivals for small business owners, filled with opportunities, and potential collaborations. So, set your goals with excitement, craft an electrifying elevator pitch, turn up your positive energy, follow up promptly, and keep those connections warm. Embrace this journey as a friendly adventure, and you'll find that your network blossoms, your business thrives, and your smile never fades.

Get ready to take the small business, self-employed business networking world by storm, one friendly connection at a time!

Welcome to Heyford Park Business Network!

Our friendly small business network provides an effective and powerful way for small local businesses, the self-employed and entrepreneurs living in Heyford Park, Oxfordshire and the surrounding villages to communicate, collaborate and create. This is done via our monthly small business networking events and our active Facebook Group Community.

Heyford Park Business Network was set up and is run by Andy Selway-Woolley, Hypnotherapist | Psychotherapist at HeadFirst Hypnotherapy (your host).

• To find out more about our events and to attend, please CLICK HERE

• To join our Business Facebook Page, please CLICK HERE (only local businesses are permitted to join (Heyford Park and surrounding villages, Oxfordshire).

Feel free to comment below if you would like to share any top tips you have to newbie small business networkers. We'd love to hear from you.