Setting up your own business can be one of the most
rewarding things you can do. To be your
own boss, make your own decisions around work / life balance and, hopefully, to
experience the satisfaction of building something from nothing.
That said, in my experience it is also harder work than any
job that I’ve ever had as I suddenly have to become a jack of all trades. And while languishing around in a sea of
business skills that I do not have, it’s very easy to start to feel somewhat
isolated.
So what’s the solution?
The truth is that while I may be feeling all alone there are
plenty of other people who are in the same boat. Well, not exactly the same boat because they’re
struggling with a lack of the skills that I have and, of course, they have
skills that I don’t. So if we were to work
together, we would have a significantly smaller skills gap than we do
alone.
So this is the value of networking for the owner of a new
business. To get together with like
minded business people who are in a similar boat and support each other,
benefiting from both the skills and the experiences of the group as a
whole.
Of course, meeting other people and talking about your
business is also a great marketing strategy.
You can convey face to face the benefits of buying from your business
which, although small scale, is a very powerful method of getting your message
out. After all, people prefer to buy
from (and recommend) people they like and it’s difficult to like someone you’ve
never met. From my own experience, the
best source of clients by far has been people I’ve networked with, either
directly or by referral.
That said, it’s not just about connecting with potential
customers. I have also made the effort
to connect with other people in my profession.
In some ways we are competitors, but they are the people who know my
market and the challenges specific to my chosen field. If properly managed, these relationships are
so valuable as these are the people who have experienced and overcome the very
issues I’m facing and who can offer the solutions I need to help me do the
same.
I love networking. I
really enjoy meeting with other people and hearing about their businesses as
well as having the opportunity to bounce around ideas for my own. I have met some great people who have
supported me tremendously, sometimes without even knowing just how much.
So my advice for anyone starting out in business is to get
involved in some networking groups, build some relationships and realise that
you are far from alone.
To find out more about how Pringle Accountants can help you,
visit our website www.pringleaccountants.co.uk
