However different your business might be in size, offering or stage, every business owner’s world is filled with somewhat similar things: investments, banks, supplier, customer, marketing, finance, HR, deadlines, crises, wins, etc. It is a very fulfilling world but a consuming one at that. It is a rarity in our world to connect with other businesses and share notes and learnings. Also let’s face it, (we hope they do but) your next big idea, mentor, partner, supplier or customer probably won’t come knocking at your door out of the blue. Thus, it is important to put yourself out there to stay with the current trends, meet other business owners and get that big picture advantage that big businesses have. The right networking event can offer the right exposure, inspiration and propel growth in the right direction.

Here are 5 reasons you should seriously consider investing in your business by attending the right networking event:

1. Build meaningful relationships

85% of professionals say they develop a more meaning relationship after meeting someone in-person. By attending the right networking event, you are given the platform to build meaningful and long-lasting relationships as you all have come together for the same goal. When you approach somebody at a networking event especially with the goal of paying it forward or bringing value to the table you are laying the grounds of a long-lasting relationship.

It is important to put yourself out there to stay with the current trends, meet other business owners and get that big picture advantage that big businesses have.

2. Learning opportunity

If we are to innovate, change, learn to be better, we have to know how to. We must learn from colleagues or from thought leaders and industry experts. Networking events worth their salt will have of line up of speakers who can help you expand your horizons. They will inspire you, put that fire in your belly to get back to work and implement changes or tackle challenges.

Also read: Business networking: Imperative to every entrepreneur’s growth

3. Personal touch before the tech touch

Once you listen to industry experts in person and whether or not you are able to get their attention for a one on one conversations, its always easier to connect with them in the digital world if you have shared some personal space before. May be you want their expert opinion  or may be you want them to come on your board or be your mentor, the fact that you both shared a common experience and have met before (albeit briefly) gets you off at a rather promising footing.

4. Break from the routine

Going to networking events is not a weekly affair. Taking a break from your routine, going to another city/ country and being mentally ready to learn something new and make connections, can be refreshing. Creativity doesn’t come when you are uninspired or plagued with the day to day workings of a business.

Also read: Tips to develop your business networking skills

5. It helps you refine your message

Especially if you are new to the networking game, these events are a great way to refine your message, polish your elevator speech to tell someone what, how and why you do what you do. This confidence and refinement are very important and are a learnt skill. What better way to do it at an event, where you introduce yourself over and over again? By the end, you leave knowing and sharing your business better than you ever have.

Exposure to the larger picture propelled our growth, which is why we have put together our second trade and networking event: TradeConnect 2019 Singapore to offer SMEs and entrepreneurs the same advantage. If you want to connect, grow and be inspired, pack your bags and come ready to learn (and have fun) from the 12-14^th of November in Singapore.  For more details click here.

Also read: TradeConnect in Singapore is back! Registration now open

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