7 Networking Tips For Women: How to Use Network to Grow Your Business Without Being Spammy Here's How you can also structure your own niche and find people who have similar interests

By Malini Saba

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Entrepreneurs are a rare breed. A recent study shows that less than 6% of the adults in the world work on their own business. Women account for less than half of that number. So what are the few things that women can keep in mind to increase their network?

Dress Well : They say first impression is the last impression. Dressing well and appropriate on different occasions can set different contexts in your life. You can choose between business formals and business casuals depending on your mood and commitment. Dressing well also promotes your leadership qualities. It shows that you are best prepared to deal with risks and challenges thrown at your way. Lastly, if people at social gatherings or events like your dressing sense, they are likely to connect with you and maintain a long relationship. How you present yourself matters the most.

Try Attending All Social Events : Whether it is a corporate party or a private kitty party, women need to attend all of them if they want to increase their social network. Parties are known to be spaces where people tend to get social. You will also meet a diverse range of people there and you never know who can turn out to be useful. Interactions at these parties are also very social. Many people find their prospective clients at such parties. Also, do keep an eye out for events specially meant for women entrepreneurs. The has been a sudden rise in such event and they prove to be very helpful when you need connections.

Work With Diversity : If you are really interested in growing your pool of network and expanding your business, you will need to cater to diversity and work with them. More diversity at your workplace will mean that you will be introduced to newer people, communities and culture. It will also empower you to learn about others. Diversity gives you a golden opportunity for you to develop useful contacts, gain helpful information, and obtain positive business referrals.

Use Social Media Well : Social media is the best form of communication today. It has surpassed all the forms of communication and hosts around 2.46 billion people worldwide. The most amazing feature of social media is that you can reach out to anyone without having to move anywhere. All you need is internet connection. In-person connection is slowly being overshadowed by online communication. You can find like-minded people or special kind of people you are looking for through groups and filters. Social media is also great for your business as it acts as a medium for advertisement.

Get To Know Them Beforehand : Social media can tell you a lot about people's interests and desires. You can use this information before approaching them. A little knowledge about people's passions, interests and desires can make you understand their demand and needs well. It can also help you tailor your services for them. It is very imperative for businesses to know their clients or any third-party vendors really well before engaging in business with them. It just ensures that your relationship is smooth and that you don't run into any major challenges or risks

Learn From Mistakes : It is always very imperative to learn from your mistakes and not repeat them. If you have made any mistakes in the past in terms of networking, for eg. pushed too hard for something or overtalked at some event, it is suggested that you don't repeat it. People can get turned off very easily, especially if their ideologies don't match. In today's age of digital and fast-paced networking, it is very easy to make mistakes that go unnoticed. Mistakes can also bring a huge blow to your business. If you hurt someone or publicly embarrass someone, chances are that people might get intimidated. Always learn to carry a respectable image in public.

Align Your Values With Others : This is the most important factor to keep in mind while networking. Aligning your values according to others means understanding needs and demands of people and supplying them service tailored for their needs. If you align your values, it is easy to attract attention and fulfil your professional cum personal goals. Aligning your values may also make you a people's person as a lot of people will start investing time and faith on you. Most businesses are built on these two factors: time and faith. Therefore it makes more sense for women to make sure that they invest time and faith onto people they are looking to connect with. Knowing a little history about them and understanding the culture they come from can be of great help too.

These are some tips to grow your network for your business. However, you can also structure your own niche and find people who have similar interests.

Malini Saba

Founder, Saba Family Foundations & Saba Industries

Malini Saba is a self – made businesswoman, an ardent philanthropist and a force to be reckoned with, Ms. Saba embodies the concept of using business to serve humanity Her eminent group of commodities companies, Saba Industries, is a prime example of her stratagem of using business to serve humanity. Functioning in the agriculture and mining industry, the group hires local talents and helps them achieve economic stability. The CSR arm of the group, Saba Family Foundation, has given access to life-saving medical and educational services to millions of disadvantaged people across South and Southeast Asia, Australia, Africa, India, and the Middle East. the foundation is an extension of Ms. Saba's philanthropy and aims to help at least one billion people to gain access to basic health care, education, and opportunities which allow them to break the cycle of poverty and illiteracy.
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