Networking: A Lone Wolf Finds Her Pack

I characterize myself as a lone wolf in nearly all aspects of my life, including business. I am fiercely independent & self-sufficient, and I have been since I was a teenager (you can imagine this caused my parents a lot of headaches). There is often a negative connotation with the term lone wolf, as it’s interpreted to be synonymous with outcast or reject, and that’s not always the case. I love people, I love being around people, and I love talking to people, but when it comes to work and projects – I prefer to do it myself, which I’m sure many people can relate to.

We, self-starters, entrepreneurs, sole proprietors, directors (and the list goes on), started our businesses independently because that’s what we know and love. We work for ourselves because we are our best boss and employee. We are self-motivated, and we know we can accomplish anything we set our sights on, which is why it’s difficult to admit that sometimes we cannot do it all alone.

I’m not talking about hiring employees or contractors; I’m talking about networking. Even five years ago, the thought of networking terrified me. I’m a social person, and I know how to communicate with others, but I didn’t understand the benefits of networking. Why would I want to talk to a random bunch of strangers and try to sell my business to others? I have my clients and my business making a profit; that’s all that matters, right? (My initial thoughts on networking)

What is Networking?

Business networking refers to the process of establishing and cultivating relationships with other professionals and businesses to create opportunities for mutual benefit. It involves actively seeking out and building relationships with individuals and organizations that can potentially help your business grow and thrive.

Networking can take many different forms, such as attending industry events and conferences, joining business organizations or clubs, participating in online forums and social media groups, and reaching out to people in your professional network for referrals or introductions.

Effective networking requires strong communication skills, the ability to build trust and rapport with others, and a willingness to give as much as you receive.

Importance of Networking to Small Businesses

1. Building relationships: Networking allows small businesses to build relationships with other professionals and potential customers. This can lead to new business opportunities and partnerships.

2. Increasing visibility: Attending events and participating in business organizations can help small businesses increase their visibility in the community and within their industry. This can lead to more referrals and word-of-mouth marketing.

3. Gaining new knowledge and insights: Networking provides a chance to learn from other professionals and industry experts. Small businesses can gain new knowledge and insights that can help them improve their products or services, streamline their operations, and stay up-to-date with industry trends.

4. Accessing resources: Building a network of contacts can give small businesses access to resources they may not have had otherwise, such as mentors, investors, and potential employees.

5. Boosting confidence: Networking can help small business owners and entrepreneurs boost their confidence and develop their interpersonal skills. This can be especially important for those who are just starting out or who are looking to expand their business.

Find Your Pack

Lone wolves can operate on their own, but networking is a type of connection that is crucial for all businesses. There are tons of resources out there for you and your business, and sometimes all it takes is connecting with the right people to access them.

I am a lone wolf, and I want to be self-sufficient and run a business autonomously, but that is nearly impossible. Even my clients are my connections, and every time I send them an email, reaching out or checking in on them, I’m subconsciously networking and building rapport. Networking surrounds us, and I recommend you use it to your advantage. I encourage you to find your pack of like-minded professionals and build connections today.