3 Tips for Success When Networking
“Whether you run a small business or a big one, having a strong business network is essential to achieve the success you want,” according to Forbes. The relationships forged between corporates and certified MBEs at signature EMSDC events help to achieve this goal, creating a solid foundation for growth and opening the door to a wealth of opportunities for all. This includes participation in educational programs and workshops, personalized matchmaking, coming together to celebrate prestigious local, regional, and national supplier excellence awards each year, and a vast calendar of networking opportunities, such as the ROAR conferences and Youth & Entrepreneur Scholarship Golf Invitationals.
Entrepreneur reports that “mastering the art of networking will enhance your abilities and opportunities to create the business growth and wealth you desire,” whether it’s creating a supportive community of fellow entrepreneurs and mentors, finding business leads, or advancing supplier diversity initiatives. Of course, navigating the ins and outs of “talking business” and building a strong network can be tricky, so here are some helpful tips for success.
Do Your Homework
Successful networking takes some planning and preparation. As a corporate member or certified MBE, you have access to valuable resources like the NMSDC Hub (our national supplier database), the Diverse Yellow Pages (a new digital platform), and the Diverse Marketplace (an e-commerce platform). We also offer an MBE2MBE search for local members. Use them to learn more about the companies and people you want in your network.
Step Up
Not attending EMSDC events, or showing up without stepping up, will get you nowhere fast. Being approachable is important, but so is taking the initiative to introduce yourself and break the ice first, when necessary. Just remember to keep it light and professional, and don’t monopolize the conversation. The key here is to make a good first impression, so talk about your work and yourself, ask questions, listen, and truly get to know others.
Stay Connected
If you want to build a strong network, it’s a good idea to follow up and make an effort to stay in touch after you make a promising business connection. Entrepreneur suggests writing a thank you card, “sending articles of interest with a note,” quick calls or emails to say hello, “remembering events of significance with flowers,” and meeting for the occasional business lunch when it is convenient.
The Eastern Minority Supplier Development Council (EMSDC) has over 50 years of experience as an industry expert in Minority-owned Business Enterprise (MBE) enrichment, development, and impact. We are a regional council of the largest national organization whose certification is uniformly recognized by Corporate America, connecting minority-owned businesses (Asian, Black, Hispanic, and Native American) throughout Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey, and Delaware with member corporations. Explore our website to learn more, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to stay connected, and click here to make a tax-deductible donation in support of our mission.
The mission of the Eastern Minority Supplier Development Council (EMSDC) is to stimulate and support economic development with minority-owned businesses throughout Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey, and Delaware in an effort to initiate growth and opportunity through Supplier Diversity channels. As an affiliate of the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), we certify and connect MBEs with member corporations that are committed to supplier development and want to purchase their products, services, and solutions.