5 Networking Tips for Business Owners

A group of professionals surround a table, like you might see at a networking event.

Without the right tools and skills, attending a business networking event can turn into a nightmare for any business owner. That’s why many people try to avoid these events. They think having a strong presence on social media platforms can be enough; however, that’s not the case at all. All of the online platforms combined can’t substitute for what networking brings to the table. According to a study published by Forbes: “Networking is vital to entrepreneurial success for 78% of startups!” Networking helps you generate new leads, gain a deeper knowledge of your industry, and open more opportunities for your business – whether it’s in Orange County or elsewhere. That’s why we created a list of 5 networking tips for business owners. So read on for some great networking tips!

Networking Tip 1: Set a Goal

You can easily feel lost and overwhelmed in networking events, not knowing where to start. That is why you need to determine your goals, before attending the event. Are you going there to establish new connections? Do you want to learn more about the industry from other business owners? Are you looking for referrals to help your business grow in Irvine or somewhere else in Orange County?

The goals you set will help you navigate the networking event. You can also determine who you want to talk to first or spend more time with. But, how do you know who is going to attend the event?

Networking Tip 2: Research Other Attendees

Showing up prepared will save you a lot of time during the event. It will help you strike up meaningful conversations with the right people. Some networking events mention the list of attendees in their description. If the event is on Facebook, you can check the list of people “interested” or “going” to the event.

Once you’ve found a list of attendees, do a little research. You can try to Google the names, check their business websites, or search for them on LinkedIn. This will help you create a shortlist of the people you want to speak to. Don’t make the list too long. After all, you want to establish a real connection with each of them.

The inside of an elevator, symbolic of using an elevator pitch at a networking event.
Always prepare your elevator pitch before going networking. They’re not just for use in elevators.

Networking Tip 3: Prepare an Elevator Pitch

In a networking event, you want to make the conversation long enough to generate a lead. However, it should not be too long. You want to have time to talk to other attendees as well. The term “elevator pitch” is familiar to anyone who has worked in sales or marketing. It consists of short and to-the-point sentences that best describe your California business and what you do. Try to focus on the core problem your business solves. This will raise people’s interest in what you do. Using the elevator pitch strategy will help you introduce your business to others in networking events. By keeping it short, you won’t lose their interest or attention. This will also give you time to ask them questions or answer theirs.

Networking Tip 4: Listen

Yes, you should promote your OC business at a networking event. However, the conversation should not be all about you. To truly connect with people, you should listen to them. This is not just about hearing them or giving them a chance to speak. Being an active listener can help you create a strong relationship with other attendees.

To show people you are truly listening to them, pay attention and try to ask questions. Do not just wait for them to pause so you can ask the next question on your list. This is not an interview. Instead, try to dig deeper into what they are saying. This will not just show your interest in their business, it will also give you the chance to learn something new from them.

Networking Tip 5: Follow Up

Establishing a strong connection at a networking event is only half the battle. Keeping the relationships going afterward is the other half. You don’t want the conversations to end at the event. If you do, you’ll leave the event with a bunch of business cards that will just gather dust on your desk, which won’t help your business. ALWAYS follow up after the event.

Wait a couple of days, after the networking event, then reach out to the people you met there. You can either write them an e-mail or send them a text thanking them for their time. Try to summarize what you have talked about and remind them of who you are. This will give you another opportunity to keep the conversation going and grow your business network.

Bonus: Networking Faux Pas

Networking tips are not all about what to do. There are a couple of things you need to avoid as well. Try to keep the conversation positive. If you start talking negatively about former employees or coworkers, you might scare people off. They would think you might talk badly about them as well.

When it comes to networking connections, remember it is all about give and take. So, do not be selfish. Try to offer people something as well. You can give them some business advice or share your knowledge with them. This will encourage people in your network to help you or offer something in return.

Thriving at networking events isn’t an easy task – that’s why we put together our list of 5 networking tips for business owners. Who are we? We are My OC Bookkeeper. We understand the challenges that business owners have to face every day and are ready and waiting to help. Unlike most bookkeepers, we don’t see ourselves as outside service providers, we consider our clients partners in making the Orange County business community thrive. Our bookkeeping, accounting, and business advisory services will help take your business to the next level. Get in touch with us now and let’s do great things together! Watch the video to learn more.

Want to learn a bit about more about who you might meet at a networking event in SoCal? Check out this post on the 5 biggest employers in the OC.

February 2022 Orange County Networking and Business Events Calendar

Two business women sit on a couch and chat, similar to what you may encounter at an Orange County networking event.

Your One Stop Shop for Upcoming Orange County Networking and Business Events

What you know is critical when starting a business; however, who you know is also an essential part of the process. That is why networking plays a crucial role in business growth. You should take advantage of every chance you get to increase the visibility of your brand and help your business thrive. In Orange County, the networking opportunities are endless.

Here are 9 great opportunities to network with the Orange County business community, look for a new job, or learn from experts in their field.

Business Networking Group

When: February 2nd from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM

Where: Colleary’s Bistro & Spirits

Hosted by the Orange Chamber of Commerce, this event occurs on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month. It is a great opportunity to get to know other businesses and spread the word about your own business. Everyone will have an opportunity to introduce their company to the group.

Pricing: $20 for Members and $30 for Non-Members

Power Networking Dinner

When: February 3rd from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM

Where: Urban Workshop  

This event will help your business get seen, heard, and found. You will learn how to get your valuable message and mission out to the world. Tracy Hazzard, CEO and Founder of Podetize – the platform that covers video, podcast, blog, and social sharing, will provide an outline of what he believes are the key to creating successful content in the upcoming year.

Tickets: $25 – $35

The Santa Ana Young Entrepreneur

When: February 4th from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM

Where:  525 Cabrillo Park Drive, Suite 280, Santa Ana, CA 92701

If you want to become self-employed and generate an income by solving problems this event is for you. This group of aspiring young business-minded individuals meets twice a month to learn the fundamentals of becoming a successful entrepreneur. During the meeting, you will brainstorm business ideas, talk shop with like-minded people, collaborate, provide referrals, and sort ideas in a supportive environment.

This event is free to attend.

How to Create Financial Freedom Workshop

When: February 7th at 6:30 PM

Where: 2111 Business Center Drive, Irvine, CA 92612

This workshop will teach basic principles of saving money and help you to develop a growth plan. It will help you understand how money works. You will also learn easy ways to invest and generate other streams of income. You can also join the workshop via Zoom.

This workshop is free to attend.

Lunch & Learn with Steven Thomas

When: February 8th from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Where: Hot Rods & Handguns, Huntington Beach

Economist Steven Thomas will provide his outlook for the upcoming year during a ‘lunch and learn’ session. Topics include a general forecast for 2022 along with an update on the housing market.

This event is free to attend.

Irvine Virtual Job Fair

When: February 14th from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Where: Virtual

JobFairX assists people in finding their next great career move on an annual basis. Past employers at the Irvine fair have included the TSA, Apple, and Amazon.

Career Edge: Effective Business Communications

When: February 19th from 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM

Where: Greater Irvine Chamber

In this event, you will learn the value of building critical thinking skills and how to apply these skills to individual and organizational situations. You will also explore the ethics and core values associated with decision-making. All this will help you gain confidence in tackling problems, developing alternatives, and assessing solutions and risks.

Free, but must register to attend.

New Year, New Rules for Growth

When: February 23rd from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Where: Virtual

This event is being held by the Executive Next Practices Forum (also known as the ENP). It is a virtual event discussing the value of strategic retreats and is open to both guests and existing ENP members.

Free to attend.

Network After Work

When: February 23rd from 6:00 PM to 08:00 PM

Where:  Mesa Lounge, Costa Mesa

An evening out with Network After Work members only where you can increase your brand’s visibility, keep up with the latest trends, build business relationships and learn from experts across fields.

Free for Members

Membership: $39 per year to attend all events for free.


There you have it, My OC Bookkeeper’s February 2022 Orange County Networking and Business Events Calendar. Know of a great event we missed? Let us know and we’ll add it. Who are we? We are Southern California’s premier bookkeeping, accounting, and outsourced CFO firm, so if you are looking for a partner to help your business thrive reach out to us today. Click on the surfer’s to learn more!

October 2021 Orange County Business Networking and Events Calendar

Businessman

August 2021 Orange County Business Networking and Events Calendar

My OC Bookkeeper’s October 2021 Orange County Business Networking and Events Calendar is fresh off the presses. Read on to see all of the exciting upcoming business events in Orange County, CA. And, if you are in need of a great full service bookkeeping and accounting team in Southern California, be sure to check out My OC Bookkeeper.

Orange County Business Connections Wine & Networking Night

When: October 5 at 5 pm and Nov 2 at 5 pm

Where: McClain Cellars, 849 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA

An opportunity to network with fellow entrepreneurs, investors, salespeople, and business owners in a beautiful setting. Tickets are free.

Three Keys to Turn a Struggling Business Into a Market Leader – Fullerton

When: October 14 at 10 am

Where: Online

An opportunity to learn from a mother-daughter team from Austria who have found what they think is the key to growing your business big.

Latinx Initiative (LXi) Virtual Conference (UCI)

When: October 15 from 10 am to 2 pm

Where: Virtual

The University of Irvine’s Paul Merage School of Business is hosting this inaugural event as an opportunity to hear from inspiring local Latinx business leaders. Registration is free and open to the public.

Placentia Chamber of Commerce Happy Hour Networking

When: Oct 15 from 4 – 6

Where: Stereo Brewing, 950 Via Rodeo Drive, Placentia, CA

The Placentia Chamber of Commerce is holding a cocktail hour where members can mingle and discuss business opportunities. The next such event won’t be until April, so don’t miss this chance.

Virtual Networking Meetup

When: October 19 11:20 am to 1:05 pm

Where: Online

An opportunity to share a little about your business to other local entrepreneurs, network, and gain from each others experience. Open to the public.

Veteran Business Support Event

When: October 21 from 2:00 – 4:30 pm

Where: Tierney Center for Veteran Services, Tustin

A discussion of the challenges that veteran business owners face, paired with tools and tips to facilitate success. Hosted by the Veterans in Business Network.

The Women in Business Awards

When: October 28 at 12 pm

Where: The Irvine Marriott, 18000 Von Karman Ave, Irvine, CA

Sponsored by the Orange County Business Journal, this is the 27th annual event celebrating women thriving in the world of Orange County business. Tickets are $175 and include a six month subscription to the OC Business Journal.

There you have it – the October Orange County Business Networking and Events Calendar. Interested in learning more about business? Check out our blog. Looking for a great bookkeeper, accountant, or business finance consultant? Check us out. Interested in why networking is so important? Take a look at what the University of Derby has to say about the relationship between networking and business below.