Are you looking for something beyond your average networking event?
Never been to a networking event before?
Thinking of starting your own business?
We’ve got you covered.
Today we’re sharing our key tips for making the most of your next networking experience, especially if the next event you attend is Babes In Business!
Some Tips For Attending Networking Events
Whether you’re just starting out in business, have an idea that's percolating in your mind, or just want to level up your networking experience, there are some things we find super helpful at any networking event.
Bring key contact information for yourself and your business
Whether you have a digital business card or prefer the traditional ones, having some way to quickly and easily share your information with a potential client or collaborator can make you less nervous in the moment.
Set some easy-win goals for the networking event
Do you want to meet two potential clients? Connect with one potential supplier? Or just share your idea for a business with two people and get some unbiased feedback? Setting goals that are easy to achieve allows you to take the pressure off and really connect with the people you meet.
If you have a business, make sure your social media and website have the most up-to-date links and information
This helps you when you share that contact information and allows you to feel more confident about what you share with those you meet.
If you don’t have a business yet, use this time to do some soft customer or competitor research
Want to know if your idea has legs? Consider making one of your easy-win goals to get some insight into whether people who might be your ideal customer are into your idea. This can be as simple as asking them “Would you ever consider….?” or “I’ve been thinking about… Have you ever tried something like that?”
Be open to the idea that you might just meet some awesome people
While it would be great to meet a new set of clients at these events, consider the idea that you may just meet some people you enjoy connecting with. New and seasoned business owners need a tribe of supportive friends and we can definitely meet these people at networking events.
Why You Should Network At A Babes In Business Event
You Don’t Need A Business To Go To An Event
That’s right. While some other networking groups or events expect that all attendees will have a business up and running when you attend, at Babes In Business, we do things differently.
Your business might be a dream at the moment or even a side hustle. But either way, we believe in you and want you to hang out with us at our event because you are a boss no matter what.
So bring that side hustle, that big idea, that brand new business, or that already-booming one. We’re so here for it!
You Don’t Need To Be A Babes Member
Sometimes you’ll find a networking group or event that requires membership to attend. But at Babes, you don’t have to be a member to attend.
That being said, our members enjoy some pretty awesome perks. (You can learn more about membership here) And we’d love to have you join us!
Being Nervous Is Natural. And You’re Not Alone.
This one hits home for many of our event attendees and members. But it’s natural to be nervous when attending a networking event. You’re stepping into something new, even if you’ve been to dozens of networking events before. Every time it’s a new group of people, a new place, and a new experience. So give yourself some grace and know you’re not alone.
At Babes In Business, we know the struggle is real when it comes to those nerves so we’ve actually built in a group activity at each event. It’s a low-stakes, low-stress way to meet new people, learn about their work, share yours, and just enjoy connecting without the pressure of having to strike up a conversation when you’re feeling out of your element.
It’s also gotta be said: Everyone, or nearly everyone, is probably feeling the same way you are. From attendees to speakers, photographers to those running the show: Even our founder, Jenn Chavez feels nervous before she speaks at each event.
Bottom line: You’re never alone and you’ll be surrounded by like-minded women who want to support you and your business too!
We’re Not Hosting Your Average Networking Event
If you’ve been reading along so far, you probably realized this but we have to say it: We do things differently at Babes In Business.
We’ve been to the boys club networking groups, the stuffy networking breakfasts, and the too-big-to-connect conferences. And for us, that just wasn’t it. We wanted something more.
So, our interactive experiences, our selfie stations, our content creation opportunities, our vendors, our venues, our speakers, and group activities: All the things we’ve curated for each Babes event are designed to help you create connections, get comfy talking about and growing your business, and have a ton of fun while you do.
Get Ready To Meet Your New Business BFFs
One of the best things that’s come from hosting Babes In Business events over the years is this: Our attendees meet their business besties.
When you’re open to the possibility, you will meet forever friends who just “get it” when it comes to business life and want to support you and your business like crazy.
That’s the power of a Babes event and we can’t wait for you to experience it for yourself.
Get Your Tickets Now
Ready to make Babes In Business your next networking event? Grab your tickets here.
We can’t wait to see you there.
(Oh, and if you want some real talk from Babes In Business attendees and members, we’ve got you there too. Check out what some of our Babes have to say below!)
Networking Tips From Babes In Business Members and Attendees
“Meeting new people can be intimidating and overwhelming. Go in with a goal. My first Babes event, I told myself that all I needed to do was introduce myself to Jenn Chavez and then I could leave. And I did! I introduced myself to Jenn. I felt so comfortable and welcomed that I stayed for the whole event and kept coming back for more!”
Ami Lad
Owner and Lead Designer
"If you’ve got the pre-networking nerves, give yourself a goal for the event! It can be as easy as “I’ll introduce myself to 10 people tonight,” or “I’ll find 2 potential clients.” Having a set purpose going in can help the event seem less overwhelming. Also, even if you’re going alone, definitely go! It’s one of the best ways to not only grow your business but your friend circle."
Nicole Hagerty
“Go with a curiosity to learn about what other people do and who YOU can connect THEM with, versus going there with the intention of selling your business! You’ll meet your best friends there, a network to lean on who will keep you in it for the long haul AND you’ll have a blast! And my mantra has always been: “Business owners who have fun ALWAYS make more money!”
Hera Zee
"Going to any networking event can be nerve-wracking, especially when you’re going solo. My advice is to not get in you’re head. Be open to meeting new people and sharing your story with them. I’ve met some of my best friends/best clients at BIB and as intimidated as I felt going in, walking out I felt like a BOSS… with an amazing new tribe!"
Chelsea Kenny Owner Rosebud Photography
“As a natural introvert, I thought networking just was not for me… until someone asked me to go to Babes In Business. The people I met understood how it felt to be new to networking, new to business, and nervous as hell about the whole thing. The best part is that I still meet up with my core crew of business babes. We do drinks, coffee, coworking, and all that. And I always look forward to seeing them when I attend events!”
Nicole Salvatore
Founder, SEO Copywriter Stay Stellar
(And your Babes In Business blog copywriter!)